SUPPLEMENT. 303 



stems to the flowers are assured by removing the growth in the axils of the 

 leaves when the plants are in the beds. The essentials are: Don't over- 

 water, don't overfeed, have the minimum temperature about 65 F. keep 

 the plants free from insects. Longer stems are secured and flower buds 

 laid down by removing the growth in the axils of the leaves when plants 

 are making 'growth. Syringe frequently, keeping the atmosphere on the 

 humid side. Keep down insect pests by frequent fumigations. 



SWEET PEAS 



There are numerous methods of growing this popular flower for Winter 

 and Spring bloom; perhaps the greatest success is secured in ground beds. 

 The preparation of the soil is the all-important item. The plant is a gross 

 feeder, and, necessarily, the soil must be rich and deep. Soil troubles are 

 responsible for most of the failures to grow first class flowers. Three parts 

 good loam and one part well-decayed cow manure with a little lime to 

 a depth of fifteen inches has proved the best medium for good growth 

 and the production of first class flowers. It is always advisable to be 

 certain of having a little soil from clover or other legume pastures incor- 

 porated with the soil in the beds. There are various methods used in 

 raising the young plants. The seed is sometimes sown in pots or flats 

 and transferred to the beds. The best plan naturally is the one which 

 occasions least disturbance to the roots. Troubles commonly arise be- 

 cause of unfavorable house conditions, such as high, moist temperatures 

 inducing weak growth. It should be borne in mind that the Sweet Pea 

 is not a greenhouse flower; it thrives best in the open in cool climates. In 

 Washington they are past their best by the month of May. In Maine 

 they are in good condition for at least three months later. In Montreal 

 and in Scotland they last till the end of Summer. During warm, sunny 

 weather an abundance of ventilation must be given; a warm and humid 

 condition should be avoided at all times. The Sweet Pea is gradually 

 filling more greenhouse space year by year and its cultivation is by no means 

 difficult if a few don'ts are kept in mind. The demand for Sweet Peas 

 is greatest in the Winter months; therefore, the house chosen for the pur- 

 pose should be so constructed as to catch the maximum amount of sun- 

 shine. It is not possible for every establishment to have a house with a 

 long span to the south on the side of a hill; a structure of this character is 

 peculiarly well fitted for the best development of this plant, but satisfactory 

 flowers can be produced in other less favored structures. In the formation 

 of the beds perhaps the best method is to have them raised above the alleys 

 to a height of eight or ten inches. The beds may be from four to six feet 

 wide, running east and west, and the rows arranged crosswise in the beds. 

 This plan gives the best opportunity for the sun to play on every part of 

 the plant for a portion of the day. Water should be applied between the 

 rows partly to encourage the roots to grow in a horizontal direction. 

 When gathering the flowers, boards should be used on which to stand, thus 

 preventing puddling of the soil. The most suitable varieties must be left 

 to the judgment of the grower. The period between sowing the seed and 

 the flowering stage is from two and one-half to three months. In sowing 

 the seed rapid germination is secured by placing the seed in water until 

 it begins to swell; sow in drills and cover with sand. Four to six inches 

 apart is a safe distance. The tall varieties should be sown at the north 



