0F&1 





IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



pi TULY is proverbially a liot and dry one, it will therefore 



' *J be highly necessary, during the continuance of dry 



weather, to administer copious supplies of water. This should be done 

 towards the evening of eacli 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 hutrimentaj 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. A few annuals, as Mignonette, &c, may 

 now be sown to bloom in the autumn, also biennials to bloom next 

 year. 



Florists' 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, or dip the plants in a solution of tobacco-water. 



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. Ranunculuses will requite 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 hist 

 month. Carnations and Picotees : As the pods are fully formed and 

 ready to open, secure them round with a ring of India-rubber, gutta- 

 percha, or 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. Dahlias will require thinning out 

 freely as they advance in growth. In dry weather give water very 

 freely, and if the plants are sprinkled overhead late in the evening with 

 a fine rose or syringe, their luxuriance will be greatly promoted. Trap 

 earwigs by all possible means, on the principle that prevention is better 

 than cure ; they will not be wanted when the blooming season comes 

 on. Pelargoniums that have shed their flowers should be cut down, 

 disrooted, and potted in smaller pots, keeping the plants for a week in 

 a close frame, to assist them in developing their new shoots. H"ses 

 may now be budded, moist weather being best for the operation. It is 

 of importance that there should be a resemblance between the bud and 

 the stock as to the vigour of vegetative growth, in order to ensure a 



