FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 287 
tection may be given in the event of sudden frost. Carnations by this 
time ought to be all well established in their winter quarters, they will 
require all the air and exposure possible in damp weather, avoiding 
continuous wet; should any plants appear mildewed, or the leaves 
become spotted, the diseased parts should be immediately removed, and 
the plants be placed away from the general stock, in a frame to them- 
selves. Pinks—the beds may be kept free from weeds, and the surface 
clean, occasionally stirring between the rows of plants. Dahlias—any 
that still remain in the ground should be taken up, advantage being taken 
of fine days ; great care should be taken to secure the labels firmly to each 
before the roots are set by. Chrysanthemums in pots should be placed 
in a deep frame or greenhouse where they can be freely ventilated, as 
they ought not by any means to be kept close or warm or they would 
soon become drawn and liable to be attacked by insects ; a low tempera- 
ture will also help to retard their flowering, which is usually considered 
more desirable than to hasten it. Thin away all small and weak flower- 
buds as they appear, and secure, in as neat manner as possible, the 
stems as they advance in growth. 
IN THE GREENHOUSE, COLD FRAME, é&c. 
The proverbial dulness and dampness of the external atmosphere 
generally prevailing during this month is sufficient to induce more than 
the ordinary amount of care and attention. Plants of a succulent 
nature are liable to suffer as much from damp as from frost. Venti- 
lation on all favourable opportunities is therefore highly necessary, 
closing the sashes early in the afternoon when a clear sky indicates 
frost ; this precaution will often prevent the necessity of making fires 
in these houses. Withered leaves and flowers must be constantly picked 
off, and the plants should be occasionally turned round so as to present 
a different face to the light. Give water sparingly, especially to plants 
which are impatient of wet, such as Calceolareas. Pelargoniums must 
not be overwatered. Keep them free from dead leaves, and if two or 
three strong shoots take precedence of the others, they should be 
stopped. 
In the conservatory but little requires to be done, excepting attention 
to cleanliness. Water sparingly, and let it be done early in the day, so 
that the moisture may dry up before evening ; clear away all decaying 
and decayed leaves; keep as free circulation of pure air as possible 
amongst the plants, which should be placed a good distance from each 
other ; and avoid using fire-heat unless the weather is very wet or 
frosty. 
IN THE FORCING PIT OR STOVE. 
All hardy and half hardy plants brought in for forcing should have 
a temperature at first of from 50° to 60°, to be increased up to 75° when 
more advanced ; but as many plants will not bear such heat, and others 
will not do much good without a high temperature, there should be two 
distinet pits or divisions at least for this purpose. The double Roman 
Narcissus is the first of the forced bulbs, and where they have been 
potted early in August they will now stand 60? of heat, and will be in 
flower by the end of this month. Cyclamens that have made good roots 
