402 THE GARDENER. [Sept. 



ing plants sliould have plenty of room left them to develop them- 

 selves. Thin out Raspberry-canes which have fruited ; and weakly 

 plants may have the rods reduced to the number required for next 

 season's supply. 



The keeping of lawns and flower-beds will now require more labour. 

 Decaying flowers and falling leaves will require frequent attention. 

 Beds which are getting too thick should be judiciously thinned, so 

 that air can circulate and prevent rotting. Top rank-growing Pelar- 

 goniums down to a flower-bud, taking away some leaves, and the late 

 bloom will be of a dense character. Ground should not remain cracked, 

 but have the hoe freely used, which will prevent drought from destroy- 

 ing the roots. Give prompt attention to staking of Dahlias, Holly- 

 hocks, and other tall-growing plants. Manure-water at the root will 

 help them much. Let unnecessary shoots be cut from Dahlias, and 

 all decaying flowers cut off. Exhibition flowers should be kept thin, 

 and the plants well supported with guano or other wholesome manure- 

 water. Hedges may now be clipped, laurels and other rank-growing 

 shrubs trimmed into their proper size and shape. Cutting down large 

 shrubs may be left till March or later. Carnations and Picotees may 

 have their rooted layers taken off and potted or planted in a frame ; 

 and Hyacinths and all bulbous roots may be planted for early bloom- 

 ing. Use good loam, with a quantity of well-rotted manure, mixed 

 with a little sand. If the soil is rather dry, water the bulbs after they 

 are planted in the pots ; let them stand till the surface-soil becomes a 

 little dry, then place the bulbs in a dry position, where they can be 

 covered with 6 inches of old tan, fine coal-ashes, leaf-mould, or similar 

 material. They may be looked to occasionally to see that the bulbs do 

 not grow more than from half an inch to an inch before they are removed 

 to a glass structure, where they can grow on slowly, only using the 

 lights to keep off heavy rains and frost. Though Dutch bulbs are 

 hardy, they should not be exposed to frost after they are potted. 

 Bulbs generally are gross feeders, and can take liberal soakings of 

 manure-water while they are growing. 



Stage Pelargoniums shaken out of their pots, their roots reduced, 

 and potted into smaller pots, are the better of glass-lights placed 

 over them to keep off heavy rains. Cuttings are easily managed 

 by being placed in the usual way, in sandy soil — kept in the full 

 sun, and damp kept out of the structure; some place them in the 

 sun in the open ground till they root ; they are then lifted and potted 

 in good loam, mixed with a little sand. Scarlet and Zonale kinds 

 done flowering may be placed in the sun, trimmed back, and prepared 

 to be wintered in suitable quarters, but there is seldom room to spare 

 for large plants, and they often endure rough treatment. Finish pro- 



