248 THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



pot. If dry, the pot will ring when rapped. Later in the 

 season water should be given two or more times a day, accord- 

 ing to the weather and the vigor of the plant. But do not 

 keep the plant too wet. 



6. Fertilizing. — If the plant fails to grow thriftily, a top- 

 dressing of bone-meal mixed with sifted loam may be added 

 the last of August. Commencing in September, a liquid 

 fertilizer should be given once a week until the buds are 

 formed. 



7. Topping and Shaping. — Nip off the end buds now and 

 then in July to secure a bushy growth. In August cease 

 topping and allow the plant to grow. When the flower buds 

 are large enough to handle, remove all but one or two from a 

 branchlet, to ensure large, perfect flowers. Having removed 

 the plant to the house before frosts come, use a few neat 

 sticks to support the branches and secure a well-rounded 

 plant for exhibition. 



8. Records. — Keep an illustrated, descriptive record of the 

 plant — its variety, name, its size and growth, details of cul- 

 ture under each head of the directions, notes of insect pests 

 and other troubles, drawings or color sketches of the plant 

 and its blossoms at different stages — and conclusions as to 

 changes in culture advisable the next season. 



