igs IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. Bs 
B | esos present month is proverbially both a hot and dry 45 
one, it will therefore be highly necessary, during the 
continuance of dry weather, to administer copious supplies of water. 
This should be done towards the evening of each day, because the 
plants have then time to absorb the water gradually, and appropriate 
such portion as contributes to their well being. It is only in extreme 
cases that water should be given in the morning, because it is then so 
quickly exhaled from the soil as well as the leaves that its refreshing and 
nutrimental properties are almost wholly wasted. Rain water is best, 
or that from an exposed pond or tank. Where beds of plants have 
been repeatedly watered through a rose, the surface of the soil will 
probably have become crusted and almost impervious to moisture, 
consequently they ought to be stirred over occasionally with a small 
fork. Continue to make up any deficiencies in the beds, stop the growth 
of such plants as require it, that over luxuriance may be checked, tie and 
train those that require support, and be careful to remove all dead 
flowers or seed vessels which are not required; the former destroys 
beauty of appearance, and the latter when left on greatly retards the 
vigorous fertility of the plants. A few annuals, as mignionette, &c., 
may now be sown to bloom in the autumn, also biennials to bloom next 
ear. 
: Fiorist’s Ftowrers—Auriculas should be kept in the shade and 
occasionally watered as necessary. At this season of the year the plants 
are often attacked with green fly, which should be removed with a 
eamel-hair brush. Tulips will have perfected their growth, and should 
now be taken up, as if allowed to remain too long it invariably acts 
prejudicially on the bulb. When taken up they should be wrapped, 
separately, in thin paper, and dried graduall¥ in the shade. Ranun- 
culuses will require to be taken up as soon as their foliage has become 
withered and dry, and the roots preserved in bags. Pinks may still be 
piped, if not already done, as recommended last month. Carnations 
and Picotees, as the pods are fully formed and ready to open, tie them 
round with a small strip of bass, to prevent their bursting on one side. 
When blown they should be shaded. Never suffer the plants to flag 
for want of water. Proceed with layering. It requires some little ° 
practice to ascertain when the shoots are in a fit state. As a safe 
criterion, the amateur may begin with the longest and strongest. 
Pipings are struck in the same manner as Pinks, on a gentle hotbed: 
they generally make nice stiff plants, and stand the winter best. 
Dahlias will require thinning out as they advance in growth, and the 
branches should be secured firmly to stakes; a slight wind is sufficient 
