SECT; XVllt. OF FLOWED. 305 



planted at six inches distance ; and ever after treated 

 as blowing plants, Keep them very clear of weeds, 

 particularly the seedlings; which protect in severe 

 weather from frost, dt heavy rain, by mats and 

 hoops. A reed hurdle, or something else, put up at 

 the N. E. end, to break off the wind zvhen it is 

 harsh, will be proper. 



Fibrous rooted, &c. perennials, if propagated from 

 seed, are to be treated sts biennials ; but they are 

 mostly increased (as observed) other ways, with Jess 

 trouble, and chiefly by parting the roots in autumn 

 and spring, or by rooted slips or offsets, shortening 

 a little their straggling fibres. Many of them have 

 creeping roots, and increase so fast, that it is neces- 

 sary to take them up every three or four years ; and 

 a removal of this sort is proper for most perennials, 

 in order to greater neatness, and a superior culti- 

 vation ; for though large tufts look handsome, they 

 may be too bulky, and some kinds are apt to rot (as 

 bachelor s buttons) when thick, the stalks and flow- 

 ers come weak, and the leaves, towards the bottom, 

 turn yellow. 



In the next section, is a list of the most common, 

 ornamental, or curious perennial flowers, (easy of 

 cultivation) h&v\ngjibrous and fleshy roots, of which 

 not all the sorts are named, but thosd only which 

 seemed most worthy for selection. 



The general culture of bulbous and tuberous roots 

 is, to take them up annually, soon after they have 

 flowered; when their leaves and stalks turn yellow 

 and decay, then the root is at rest, and its fibres die. 

 When first taken up, lay them covered in dry ground 

 for a few days, and then clean and harden them in 

 the sun, (if not exceeding hot) when they must be 

 stored in a dry place, till wanted ; damp is apt to 

 rot them. Never put many together, or into earthen 

 vessels for keeping them, lest ttiey mould and sicken. 



