CHAP. XVII VILLA GARDENING 97 



usually makes its appearance in Jnly (sometimes earlier), first on 

 the under side of the leaves, rapidly spreading over their whole 

 surface until the foliage withers and dies, the whole plant looking 

 the very picture of wretchedness, as if it had been exposed to a hot 

 blast from a fm-nace. In dealing with disease it is far better, by 

 good cultivation, to try to prevent than to ciu^e ; in fact I am 

 doubtfid, when the conditions are ftivoiu-able for its propagation, 

 if this disease can be cured. 



Prevention from Disease. — To have Hollyhocks free from disease 

 they must liave a deep, well-worked, well-manured soil. Thej 

 must also have jDlenty of room for the air to circulate among the 

 plants to harden the growth and make it robust, as in crowded 

 beds the disease is always more destructive. I have seen this 

 disease overcome by planting in trenches and heavily mulching ; 

 but if this treatment be necessary, it detracts somewhat from their 

 usefulness, as they cannot have such conditions furnished for them 

 in conspicuous positions, which, under favourable circumstances, 

 the Hollyhock is so well fitted to adorn. In using them as back- 

 grounds, large holes might be made, which should be partly filled 

 in with prepared compost consisting of manure and turfy soil, and 

 after the planting is finished the jilant shmdd stand in a small 

 hollow or basin, to collect the moisture wliich falls from the clouds 

 and retain the water that will be given to it from time to time 

 in dry weather. It will be easily understood by one who gives 

 any thought to the matter, that a plant with such a large top- 

 development as the Hollyhock under average circumstances pos- 

 sesses, must dissipate a great deal of moisture, and to obtain first- 

 class residts an abundant supply must be at hand. This is why 

 Hollyhocks are better grown in the north than in the south, where 

 the rainfall is less. It is useless to plant them on poor soil, or on 

 elevated situations where there is no great depth of soil. 



To obtain fine Jiowers the spikes should be stopped when 7 feet 

 or 8 feet high, and the individual flower buds should be thinned. 

 Some exhibitors have an elaborate system of shading, and to bring 

 out the soft delicate tints dm-ing a speU of hot weather, shade is 

 necessary. April is the best month to plant, the plants having 

 been well hardened by a free exposure for some time previously. 

 Though the Hollyhock is in the main hardy in our climate, yet, 

 during severe winters, many are lost when the plants are left out 

 in the beds, and in the case of choice varieties they should be 

 lifted in autumn, and either potted or planted thickly where 

 they can be sheltered. It is the eftect of the snow and cold rain 

 alternating with frost which is so destructive to Hollyhocks, and 

 those who have not the convenience or the room to winter plants 



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