Calendar of Monthly Operations. 125 



OCTOBER. 



In the operations for this month much depends on the 

 locality. In northern latitudes all plants would have to be 

 in their flowering quarters by the first of the month, or earlier ; 

 while in more favored localities, the middle of this month is a 

 good time to move the plants indoors. By the end of Sep- 

 tember or first few days of October, all shoots and flower buds 

 should be tied for the last time in the position in which it is 

 desired to have them remain. This gives them a few weeks 

 to turn up and assume a more natural style of growth, than 

 when tied in place a few days prior to the exhibition. Keep 

 the house in which they are grown well ventilated, and allow 

 no surplus water to remain on the floors over night. The dis- 

 budding must not be forgotten all through this month, as lit- 

 tle shoots and buds will be forming constantly on all the main 

 stems, to the detriment of the blooms unless speedily removed. 

 The plants should by this time become thoroughly accustomed 

 to the liquid manure, and it should now be given stronger and 

 more frequently, as there will be a great draft on the vital 

 resources of the plant at this time in developing its blooms. 

 Mildew must be looked after carefully and kept in check by 

 abundant ventilation, and in case of extremely dull weather 

 a little fire heat will be beneficial. Should mildew appear, 

 dust with flour sulphur upon the affected parts. When 

 housing the plants, if it is necessary to have all in bloom at 

 the same time, shade may be given to the earlier sorts, while 

 the more tardy varieties should be exposed to the full sunlight. 

 A few light fumigations after the flowers are placed in their 

 quarters will entirely rid them of the fly, if there should be 

 any remaining upon them, and they will then be in a clean 

 healthy condition to come into bloom. Plants grown out of 

 doors in the South will require attention at this time. Prep- 

 arations should be made to protect them from the first frosts, 

 as in this section there are usually a few light frosts about 



