CULTURE OF SWEET PEAS 41 



at their best. Root action is extremely vigorous in the 

 height of their flowering period, and unless moisture be 

 forthcoming at this time it is unreasonable to expect 

 a display such as we have been led to expect from these 

 plants. In this connection, too, manure water plays an 

 important part. Although when the compost was first 

 prepared plant food was mixed with the soil, there is not 

 sufficient of this readily available to meet the requir- 

 ments of the plants throughout the whole of the season. 

 For this reason, therefore, we should be disposed to 

 apply manure water in weak doses, right throughout the 

 flowering period, alternating clear water with manure 

 water. Follow this rule throughout the summer and 

 early autumn, and we are satisfied excellent results will 

 accrue. Manure water should vary in its character ; 

 not only should animal manures be utilised but guano 

 and well-known plant foods which are so freely adver- 

 tised in the gardening periodicals should be taken full 

 advantage of. It is important that there be a systematic 

 gathering of the flowers, as immediately seed pods are 

 allowed to develop the plants begin to deteriorate. For 

 this reason spent blossoms should be gathered each day, 

 and in this way the well being of the plants be maintained, 

 and continuity of blossoming ensured throughout the 

 flowering period. These latter details may seem 

 matters of small moment, but they are of the utmost im- 

 portance in promoting the successful culture of the Sweet 

 Peas. It is a plant that yields a most wonderful display 

 in return for more than ordinary care for its healthy con- 

 dition. 



It is important also, that only the very best varieties 

 be grown. Any variety known to possess a weakness of 

 any description, no matter what this may be, should be left 

 alone, and attention be given instead to those of vigorous 

 growth, that possess good colour, and that flower in pro- 

 fusion. In this connection we may mention the names of 



