IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



JULY is proverbially both a hot and dry month, it will ^ 

 therefore be highly necessary, during the con- "F 

 tinuance 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 whicii 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 

 year. Clip box edgings now, the young shoots which push will then 

 get well ripened before winter. 



Florist's Flowers. — 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 

 camel-hair brush. Tuli]}s 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 WTapped, 

 separately, in thin paper, and dried gradually in the siiade. Ra7itin- 

 cuhises 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. Cartiations 

 and Picoters, 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 hot-bed : 

 they generally make nice stiff plants, and stand the winter best. 

 Dahlias will require thinning out as they advance in growth, and the 



