CULTIVATION OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS^ ETC. 99 



Dividing the Roots. — This may be done either with a 

 knife, if the plant is small, or by a spade, if it is strong 

 and large. The best time for doing it is when the tops 

 are just beginning to grow after having been cut down. 



The roots may be divided in the spring, or (with some 

 species) almost any time during the summer, after flower- 

 ing. The month of August is a proper time for many 

 kinds, as the divisions will become well rooted before 

 winter,- and be prepared to flower strongly the next year. 



Suckers. — Tlicse 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 situa- 

 tions where they are to flower. Many of the fine double 

 and otlier varieties never produce seed. 



Layers and Cuttings. — Thrifty, succulent shoots, if 

 partly cut through, and pegged down, and covered witli 

 earth, will take root, as is the case with the Pinks and 

 Carnations. Cuttings of many plants will take root, with 

 proper care. 



Soil. — Different species of plants require rather diff'er- 

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

 greater number. 



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

 plants require similar care, but they diifer as to the amount 

 of protection or quantity of heat they need. 



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, how- 

 ever, cultivated as annuals, that are such only in a north- 

 ern climate, being in their own more congenial region pe- 



