394 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



Belgian or Dutch nurseries, and in many cases it is cheaper 

 to buy them abroad than to grow them in this country. 

 Certain species, however, it is impossible to buy abroad 

 and such are prepared and grown in American nurseries. 

 To secure the desired compactness, the plants may be 

 grown in the open ground or in pots. The latter is pre- 

 ferred, for many plants have a tendency to grow to stalk 

 and leaves, rather than to produce flower buds, if the root 

 system is given room for an extensive development. 



With the exception of rhododendrons and other plants 

 in the family Ericaceae, shrubs to be forced should be 

 kept closely pruned. This applies both to branches and 

 to roots. In many strong-growing species, grafting is de- 

 sirable, as it has a tendency to dwarf them, and to 

 quicken their maturity. When the plants for forcing are 

 grown in nurseries, they are planted far enough apart to 

 give each plant ample room to develop a symmetrical top. 

 They are transplanted every year, and this produces a 

 compact ball of fibrous roots. They force better if they 

 are dug in the spring and put into the pots in which they 

 are to flower. This causes the plants to ripen their wood 

 in a more satisfactory manner, and there is less danger of 

 injury during the forcing process. The pots should be 

 plunged in the soil for the summer months, and if the 

 season is very dry, they should receive occasional waterings. 



As soon as the growth of plants ceases in the fall, they 

 should be allowed to ripen their wood gradually. This 

 ceasing to grow will be about September, and no attempt 

 should be made to prolong the growth. Most plants 

 should be stored in a cool cellar or pit, where a tempera- 

 ture of about 35 may be maintained. Compactness in 

 storing is not objectionable as no growth occurs. On 

 bright days, ventilation should be given to prevent an 



