Aster 



indeed it is distinctly injurious. From 55 to 65 is the extreme 

 range, and the happy medium should, if possible, be maintained. 

 Give air on every suitable occasion, and as the time for transferring 

 to the open ground approaches, endeavour to approximate nearly 

 to the outside temperature. The plants will then scarcely feel the 

 removal. - 



Another and simpler proceeding will produce fairly good results, 

 and we give it for the benefit of those whose resources may be small, 

 or who do not care to adopt the more troublesome method. In 

 some spot shaded from the sun make a heap of stable manure, rather 

 larger than the light to be placed upon it. Level the top, and cover 

 with four or five inches of rich soil. Place a frame upon it with the 

 light a trifle open. When the thermometer indicates 60, draw drills 

 at six inches apart ; sow the seed, and cover with a little sifted soil. 

 The light had better not be quite closed, in case of a rise of tem- 

 perature. As the plants thrive, gradually give more air, until, in April, 

 the showers may be allowed to fall directly upon them in the daytime. 

 When the Asters are about three inches high they will be quite ready 

 for the open ground, and a showery day is favourable to the transfer. 

 After the bed has served its purpose, the manure will be in capital 

 condition for enriching the garden. 



In the event of there being no frame to spare, drive a stake into 

 each comer of the bed. Connect the tops of the stakes, about one 

 foot from the surface of the bed, with four rods securely tied, and 

 upon these place other rods, over and around which any protecting 

 material at command may be used. With this simple contrivance it 

 is quite possible to grow Asters in a satisfactory manner. 



The finest Asters are frequently grown in the open air, entirely 

 without the aid of artificial heat, and indeed without any special 

 horticultural appliances. Those who possess the best possible 

 resources will find additional advantage in resorting also to this 

 mode of culture. It gives another string to the bow, and prolongs 

 the season of flowering. For open-air sowings in April make the 

 soil level and fine, and about the middle of that month draw drills 

 three inches deep. In these place an inch of finely prepared rich 

 soil, and if it is largely mixed with vegetable ashes, so much the better. 

 The distance between the drills should be regulated by the variety. 

 For tall-growing Asters, such as Giant French and Victoria, twelve 

 to fifteen inches between the rows will not be too much. Ten 

 inches will suffice for the dwarfs. Sow the seed thinly and evenly, 

 and cover carefully with fine soil. Commence early to thin the 



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