FLOWERS 189 
should have become too hard to comply with the 
“snapping test’ (see page 30) used for most other 
plants. By far the best way for the beginner, how- 
ever, is to buy from the nurserymen or florist. This 
is especially true of the many sorts which do better 
when grafted on a strong growing stock. 
There are two ways of buying the plants: either 
in the dormant state, or growing, out of pots. In 
the first way you get the dry roots and canes (2- 
year olds) from the nursery as early as possible in 
the spring and set them in nine-inch pots to plunge 
outdoors, or boxes, allowing 6 x 6 to 12 inches for 
room if you want them for use in the house in the 
winter. Cut back one-half at time of planting, 
and after watering to bring the soil to the right 
degree of moisture, go very light with it until the 
plants begin active growth, when it is gradually in- 
creased. As with chrysanthemums, as the plants 
get large, fertilizers and liquid manure must be 
given to maintain the supply of plant food. Let 
the plants stay out when cold weather comes, until 
the leaves have dropped and then store until De- 
cember or January in a cold dry place where they 
will not be frozen too hard or exposed to repeated 
thawings—a trial that few plants can survive. 
Bring into warmth as required. 
The above treatment is for plants for the house. 
For the greenhouse bench get plants that are grow- 
ing. They should be clean and healthy, in four- or 
