36 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



The roots may be divided in the spring, or almost any time 

 (with some species) during the summer, after flowering. The 

 month of August is a proper time for many kinds, as the 

 divisions will take strong hold before winter, and be prepared 

 to flower strongly the next year. 



Suckers. These may be taken up at any time when they 

 appear, but the most usual time is when the plant is beginning 

 to grow. 



Seed. Sow, for the most part, in early spring, in light soil, 

 and plant out in the following autumn in the situations where 

 they are to flower. Many of the fine double and other varie- 

 ties never produce seed. 



Layers and Cuttings. Thrifty, succulent shoots, if partly 

 cut through, and pegged down, and covered with earth, will 

 take root, as is the case with the Pinks and Carnations. Cut- 

 tings of many plants will take root, with proper care. 



Soil. Different species of plants require rather different 

 kinds of soil ; but a light, rich loam will suit the greater part 

 of plants. 



Temperature. Hardy, half-hardy, and green-house plants 

 require similar care, except the amount of protection or 

 quantity of heat, to bring them into the most perfect state. 



ANNUALS. 



The plants generally known as annuals, are raised from the 

 seed, perfect their flowers, mature their seed the same season, 

 and then perish. There are some flowers, however, cultivated 

 as annuals, that are such only in a northern climate, being in 

 their own more congenial region perennials, or biennials. 

 Among them are the Verbena, Chriseis, or Eschscholtzia, as it 

 was formerly called, Commelina, Mirabilis, and many others. 

 This class of annuals may be kept through the winter in green- 

 houses or in any light cellars. Annuals are most appropriate 

 for those who are changing their abode from year to year, as 

 from these alone a fine display may be kept up the whole sea- 



