FIRST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 



in diameter, with only one flat piece of crock for drainage 

 (as these plants are semi-aquatic), and very rich soil, such as 

 that recommended above for daturas. After potting, they 

 should stand in the shade of a north wall, being well supplied 

 with water ; for if once the heavy, succulent leaves droop 

 they cannot recover themselves, and the vigour of the plant 

 is destroyed. When well established (which they should be 

 in about ten days), the arums can be taken into the green- 

 house, where, with slight forcing, they should blossom 

 towards Christmas. Green fly, which often attacks the 

 buds and young growths, must be destroyed directly it 

 appears, and the plants kept growing quickly in a sunny 

 position near the glass if early blooms are desired, 

 giving them plenty of tepid water and liquid manure as 

 soon as flower-buds appear, with a rich top-dressing after 

 Christmas. 



Cuttings of zonal pelargoniums (as geraniums are more 

 correctly called) should now be made ; in fact, they may be put 

 in with advantage in August, but few of us care to sacrifice 

 the bright colour in our gardens earlier than it is necessary to 

 do so. A box about 8 inches deep, drained with cinders to 

 the depth of 2 inches, and filled with light, sandy soil, will 

 contain a number of cuttings, and should stand in the open 

 air until frosts threaten, when a warm, rather dry green- 

 house will suit the plants. Each cutting should be 6 inches 

 long, and of firm wood, and after removing the lower leaves 

 the cuttings should be allowed to lie on the greenhouse shelf 

 for twenty-four hours, or more in wet weather, to form a 

 callus (or hard surface) over the cut part before they are put 

 in, making them very firm in the soil. They will need but 

 little water, unless the weather be hot and dry ; and heavy 

 rain must not be allowed to soak them when already damp. 

 Rotting off is their special danger, as they are very succulent ; 

 every failing leaf must be removed from them, as these 

 quickly set up mildew, which is a deadly foe to these plants. 

 When rooted, they can be potted up singly in January or 

 February, using thumb pots, and shifting them into 4-inch 

 pots in March or April, when they will make good plants 



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