82 FLOWERS AKD THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



The points of a fine geranium are, first, the form of 

 the flower ; then substance, then size, and last colour. 

 Habit of growth and size of truss of flowers are also 

 to be considered. Never save seed from any but first- 

 rate flowers, and in crossing let the plant which is to 

 bear the seed possess the quality of good form in the 

 flower. Take the pollen from plants having properties 

 wanted, having previously cut off the anthers from the 

 flowers to be inoculated, and as soon as the flower is set 

 cover it with a bobbin-net bag to keep it safe. Gather 

 the seed as soon as it is ripe, keep it in a dry place, and 

 sow it early in March, in light rich earth. Place the 

 pots in a hot-bed, and when the seedlings are growing, 

 remove them to a shelf in the greenhouse, near the glass. 

 "With these and all seeds be careful not to sow too 

 thickly ; if they come up very far apart, the seedlings 

 will be all the finer; but if they come too thick, the 

 young plants will lose much in fineness. When the 

 seedlings have made their second leaves pot them singly, 

 in two-inch pots, in good compost, and put them back 

 on the shelf, but shade off hot sunshine. As soon as 

 they fill the pots with roots re-pot them, keep them 

 near the glass, and give them plenty of air. When the 

 weather is settled fine and warm, put them out of doors, 

 on a bed of ashes, in an open situation, to ripen the 

 wood, and induce a bushy habit. In the autumn, when 

 there may be frost, take them in. Do not top them, 

 but let them grow and flower as soon as they will, as a 

 test of worth. I have found it answer to sow the seed 

 as soon as ripe, and prick out the seedlings when large 

 enough, and those which live through the winter will 

 ilower the next year, and thus save time. 



Cuttings may be put in from March to August, but 

 the usual time for getting an abundant stock of them is 

 when the plants are cut down, after they have done 

 flowering, to induce them to make bushy plants for the 

 next year. This is generally from the end of June to 

 the end of autumn. They will strike readily anywhere, 

 in the good earth in which the parent plants grow ; the 

 earth in which they are grown should not be pressed 



