568 GARDEN MANAGEME^T. 



sort, should also be encouraged to grow, but no more tlian is required for 

 new beds, as the fruit is always largest and best where the runners are 

 trimmed oflf. 



§ 6. — Flower-Culture under Glass. 



1792. Conservatory. — For several months past the great diflaculty here has 

 been one of selection. It is not flowers merely that must be had ; but what 

 flowers shall we choose to accept ?— Azaleas, geraniums, fuchsias, balsams, 

 globe amaranths, achimenes, liliums, gloxinias, begonias, &c. &c., have been 

 jostling each other for the best place ; each form and type of beauty has been 

 striving by turns for supremacy, and it has been unfolded so copiously 

 and rapidly that the great difiiculty has been to bring it all into direct 

 proximity with the eye in this house, devoted to the conservation and exhi- 

 bition of floral loveliness. For the former purpose it can hardly be kept too 

 cool at this season, omitting, however, all draughts upon stove-plants ; and 

 for the latter, tasteful arrangement is the most important point. Too many 

 beautiful things crammed together without order or system are never so 

 satisfying as a very few disposed to the best advantage. Good specimens 

 must also have plenty of space if they are to continue good. Dui'ing this 

 month the climbers on the roof must be gradually thinned and the shading 

 partially withdrawn, to allow the wood of both permanent and temporary 

 occupants of the house to ripen well. Much of nest season's success depends 

 upon this. Well-ripened wood will also enable plants to pass through the 

 winter better, and to bear a greater amount of cold with impunity. To most 

 plants, except balsams and fuchsias in small pots, liquid manure must now 

 be given sparingly, if at all. 



1793. The object now is not rapid growth, but abundance of flowers and 

 matured wood ; therefore, even pure water must be given as sparingly as is 

 consistent with good health. In dull weather, sprinkling of paths, and other 

 summer expedients to maintain a humid atmosphere, should also be abandoned. 

 Perfect cleanliness will of course be maintained, as beauty and dirt are not 

 only irreconcilable, but the latter neutralizes and destroys the influence of 

 the former. 



1794. Greenhouse.— l^his, structure should at once be got ready for its 

 winter occupants. Many of these, such as ericas, epacrises, azaleas, camel- 

 lias, have probably been in the cold pit, or sheltered situations out of 

 doors, for the last four months. In ordinary seasons they will be safe enough 

 there until the end of September. Meantime, however, if the iiouse requires 

 painting or cleaning, the sooner it is done the better. Probably the fumes of 

 paint do not injure plants, but they are very unpleasant to plant-owners ; and 

 the paint stands much better if it has time to become quite hard before the 

 house is used. Greenhouses that have no climbers on the roof should all be 

 fumigated with burnt sulphur several days before any plants are brought into 

 them. This is certain death to all animal life, if all contact with the outer air 



