17G THE GARDENER. [April 



To prevent worms entering the pots, stand tliem on inverted pots 

 of similar dimensions. 



As soon as they have started growing in the fresh soil, the large- 

 flowering varieties must have their shoots cut back to within three 

 buds of where they start from the main stem. These buds will nearly 

 all send forth shoots, which must be kept neatly tied to small stakes, 

 training the outside shoots as low as possible, keeping each clear of 

 its fellow. 



The fancies will not require cutting back at this time. In general 

 they make a sufficient number of shoots to form the plants without 

 undergoing this operation at present. Train their shoots as directed 

 for the large-flowering kinds, and nip off all flower-buds as they appear. 

 To induce well-matured growth, give abundance of air day and night. 

 On fine days remove the sashes altogether, putting them over the 

 plants again at night. By the first week of August the plants will 

 require another shift. Give the large-flowered sorts pots 10 inches in 

 diameter, and the fancies 8 inches in diameter. About the middle cpf 

 the month the large-flowered kinds must have their shoots cut back 

 to within two eyes of where they started from when cut back in June. 

 The fancies should have their shoots shortened sufficiently to give 

 symmetry to the plants, but they will not require cutting so hard back 

 as in the case of the large-flowering kinds. 



After being cut back the plants will require little water until they 

 have j)ut forth fresh shoots. The first week of September they must 

 be taken back to the greenhouse. Give them a place near to the 

 glass, each plant standing clear of its neighbour. The fancies should 

 have the warmest end of the house, and they should not be exposed 

 to currents of cold air during the winter. If their shoots become 

 crowded, thin them to the desired number, remembering that a less 

 number of stubby well-matured shoots will produce a better result 

 than a greater number not properly developed. 



If intended for exhibition in June, the plants must be got into 

 their blooming-pots not later than the first week of January : 12-inch 

 pots will do for the large-flowering kinds and 10-inch pots for the 

 fancies. The shoots will require their tops taken out at the same time, 

 remembering to operate on all of them. 



If not wanted to bloom until July, the second week of February 

 will be time enough to repot them and nip out the points of their 

 shoots. As the shoots lengthen, keep them neatly tied to stakes, 

 bending the outside ones down close to the rims of the pots, so that, 

 when in flower, the plants will present in shape half a ball equally 

 flowered on all sides. When the plants commence flowering they must 

 be shaded from sunshine which will improve the look of the flowers, 



