HARVEST MONTH IN THE GARDEN 



taken from thick sturdy shoots, cut off just below a joint, Aug". 

 the lower part divested of leaves to permit of inserting 16-31 

 the cuttings half their depth, and made quite firm at the 

 base. Verbenas strike readily, but the plan of propa- 

 gating from seed sown in winter is now preferred by 

 most growers of this old plant. Heliotrope makes better 

 plants from cuttings than from seed. 



Chrysanthemums in Pots. — Most of the varieties show 

 their crown buds (see remarks in Chapter VII.) in the 

 second half of August, and they should be " taken " 

 (to use the florists' phrase) at once by removing the 

 cluster of growths which break below them. Attend to 

 watering carefully. Dryness at this period would do 

 great harm. The plants are almost certain to need water 

 once a day in dry weather, and may even require it two 

 or three times. 



Calceolarias^ Cinerarias^ Cyclamens, and Primulas. — 

 Young plants raised from seed for flowering in winter and 

 spring will be at various stages of growth. Some will 

 be in small pots, and may be transferred from 3-inch 

 to 5-inch when the former are full of roots. Others may 

 be in pans or boxes, and ready for being put separately 

 into small pots. In all cases use a sandy compost con- 

 sisting mainly of loam, and pot firmly. No water will 

 be needed for two or three days if the soil is moist at 

 potting time, but when the plants recommence growing, 

 which may be taken as evidence of fresh root activity, 

 water may be given regularly in dry weather. Seed of 

 Cyclamens may be sown in a greenhouse to give plants 

 for flowering next summer. Any plants which are now 

 showing bloom may be supported with top-dressings of 

 fertiliser. 



Daffodils and Narcissi. — It was stated in the seventh 

 chapter that those who have clumps of these beautiful 

 315 



