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This is best accomplished by making a little basin with 
soil around the stem of the plant to prevent the water 
from running away when poured on, and cause it to soak 
in directly over the roots, where it will do the most good. 
In dry weather a little mulching of grass or litter of any 
kind thrown over the roots will prevent them from dry- 
ing out so rapidly. After the first week in August all 
pinching and cutting must be discontinued, except any 
that comes from the roots or lower part of the stem; to 
allow these would spoil the appearance of the plant. 
Early in September the buds on many of the varieties 
will be beginning to form. At this time a watering of 
liquid manure should be given about twice a week, or 
say every alternate watering when the weather is such 
that watering is uecessary. ‘This is best made by placing 
about one-half a wheelbarrowful of cow manure in a 
barrel and filling up with water. Stir it up and let it 
rest for a few minutes before using. Water may be 
added occasionally, but the manure will last a couple of 
weeks. 
THINNING THE BUDS. 
As soon as the buds commence to form they must be 
closely watched, and when about as large as peas, every 
bud but the one on the extreme top or end of the shoot 
must be removed. Just rub them off with the finger and 
thumb, and carefully preserve the end or terminal bud; 
this is where large flowers are required. It seems a great 
waste of the blooms to do this, but do it once and you 
will never regret it. One large flower attracts more atten- 
tion in a display than a thousand small or medium sized 
ones. By this mode of treatment we had flowers that 
measured from eight to ten inches in diameter on a num- 
ber of our plants that astonished all who saw them. It 
is best to cut away all the weak shoots and not let them 
