450 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



easily managed ; mixing them with foliage plants, either in masses or 

 bands of different colours, gives a gay appearance. All bulbs do well 

 in rich soil well drained. Tulips are generally planted in November. 

 Ranunculuses and Anemones are generally planted in January or 

 February, but the ground for them may be prepared at any time by 

 deep digging and manuring. Hyacinths, Narcissus, Crocuses, Jonquils, 

 Irises, Crown Imperials, Scillas are among the leading kinds for pre- 

 sent planting, and all these may be grown in pots of sizes, singly, or 

 in numbers of threes, fives, or sevens in each pot. When they are 

 taken from under the old tan, ashes, or whatever has been placed over 

 them, they should be kept well aired, and no frost allowed to touch them. 

 When the pots of rich soil are filled with roots, plenty of manure water 

 may be given. When forcing is done, very strong heat should not be 

 given, as weakly and worthless flowers would only be the result. 



The present will be a busy time getting the plants which have stood 

 outside under glass. All this work should be completed as early as 

 circumstances will allow. Chrysanthemums should be staked, the 

 pots washed and surfaced with good rich material, and be taken to 

 their blooming quarters ; or if for conservatory work, they may be 

 placed under the shelter of an orchard-house or similar structure till 

 wanted. Keep Heaths and all hardwooded greenhouse plants where 

 they can have plenty of fresh air. Let no dirty pots be staged, and 

 examine drainage for worms ; and the mischief they may have done 

 should be put right. Let all decayed leaves be removed wherever 

 they are seen, and avoid crowding specimens ; better a few good 

 plants than large quantities of worthless stuff. If softwooded plants, 

 such as Cinerarias, Primulas, and Calceolarias, can be kept by them- 

 selves, so much the better ; they then can have air and general treat- 

 ment to suit them. Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and suchlike, can be 

 managed better by themselves. Forcing shrubs and other things for 

 winter decoration should be under cover, and not allowed to have the 

 soil frozen in the pots. China and Tea Roses flowering in pots require 

 plenty of air and careful watering. Keep all structures except stoves 

 dry, and keep a pure atmosphere. M. T. 



THE CHINESE AZALEA. 



{Continued from page 417.) 



In order to make Azaleas continue for a succession of years to yield a 

 plentiful crop of strong bold blooms, the plants must of course be kept 

 in health without being caused to make over-gross growths. A certain 

 amount of healthy growth every season, and a thorough ripening of 



