182 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWER GADREN. 



should be lifted, forgotten and left to perish in the 

 beds. 



Take up the roots of tigridias, dry them, and put 

 them away where they will be safe from mice. Except in 

 very favourable localities serve Gladioli the same. Salvia 

 patens, French and African marigolds, fuchsias, and 

 such like, may be kept alive by coverings of finely sifted 

 coal-ashes. To bedding plants, cuttings, and most 

 plants in pots, future prosperity mainly depends on the 

 invigorating supply of air they can get, as long as any 

 spirit of growth remains in them ; so give air freely to 

 all, as long as the absence of biting frost renders it 

 practicable. Sometimes we get little such before 

 Christmas. Water must be given sparingly, only the 

 plants must not be allowed positively to suffer for the 

 want of it, and take great care not to spill, as the damp 

 arising from water on the floors and stages is injurious 

 at 'this season. Give water enough to wet the soil 

 (taking care that the drainage is good), and then do not 

 give any again until it is wanted. 



All alterations should be finished in November. 



When the last month in the year dawns upon us 

 more careful protection may be wanted, or very severe 

 weather may keep off a month longer. Whenever it 

 comes it must be rnet as if expected. All tender roots 

 may be protected with coverings of half-decayed leaves, 

 and hardy annuals dusted over with soot, quick-lime, 

 and wood-ashes to destroy slugs. Trench vacant ground, 

 and leave it rough, to mellow in the frost. 



SUMMARY. See that the work is all well finished up. 

 Take up roots of tigridias, &c. Protect, where necessary, 

 but give plants in pots as much air as can be. Water 

 with care and caution. When very sharp weather comes, 

 give more protection. Attend to slugs. Bough dig 

 spare ground. 



