SHADING 101 



three joints immediately below the buds that are left, 

 removed. As a rule, blooms of the cactus, show, fancy, 

 and giant decorative varieties attain their full development in 

 a month from the time of the buds making their appearance. 

 But it should be remembered in connection with this rule 

 that much variation in the rate of development may be 

 caused by differences in plants, weather, and other con- 

 tingencies, and that in consequence a greater latitude in 

 the matter of time should be allowed. To be really safe 

 it will be advisable to depend upon buds that show from 

 six to three weeks before the date of the exhibitions. 



The flowers of all sections, with the exception of the 

 pompons and singles, that are intended for exhibition, should 

 be made secure to stakes of suitable lengths, and when 

 partly developed be protected from the weather by a shade 

 of some kind. Conical shades made with wire and calico 

 and about 12 inches in diameter and depth are the most 

 useful, and can be obtained from the leading nurserymen 

 and dealers in garden sundries. These are affixed to a 

 stout cane about 6 feet in height, and are so placed on 

 the supports that they afford efficient protection from both 

 rain and direct sunlight. The shade should be arranged so 

 that the bloom is near the centre, and high enough above 

 it that air can freely circulate about the latter. When the 

 shade is so low down that the air cannot circulate freely 

 there is a risk of the flower being injured by the heat 

 during periods of brilliant sunlight. The canes, it may be 

 added, should have the lower end pressed into the soil to 

 a depth of 9 or 10 inches to ensure their steadiness. 

 Dahlia blooms of all sections when intended for exhibition 

 should have some protection from the weather, but in 



