2 3 o THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



with roots, shift to a larger size, and it is important that this operation 

 should not be delayed a day too long. To the practised eye the 

 alteration of the colour of the leaves to a pale green is a sufficient 

 intimation that starvation has commenced, and that prompt action is 

 necessary to save the plants. It is the custom of some growers to 

 transfer at once to the size in which they are intended to bloom. 

 There is, however, some danger to the inexperienced in over-potting, 

 and therefore we advise one intermediate shift. As a rule 32-size 

 pots are large enough, but the 16- or even the 8-size is allowable 

 when very fine specimens are required. The plants should be in 

 their final pots not later than the end of November. 



It will help to harden and establish the plants if they are placed in 

 the open air during August and September. A north border under 

 the shelter of a wall or building is the most suitable spot, but avoid a 

 hedge of any kind. Clear away suckers, and if many buds are pre- 

 sented, every third one may be removed when very fine blooms are 

 wanted. From the first appearance of the buds, manure water can 

 be given with advantage once or twice a week until the flowers show 

 colour, and then it should be discontinued. 



Although Cinerarias are thrifty plants, they are fastidious about 

 trifles. If possible give them new pots, or see that old ones are made 

 scrupulously clean. Even hard water will retard free growth, often- 

 times to the perplexity of the cultivator. 



A host of enemies attack Cinerarias ; indeed, there is scarcely a 

 pest known to the greenhouse but finds a congenial home upon this 

 plant. Mildew is more common in some seasons than in others. As 

 a rule it appears during July and August, especially after insufficient 

 ventilation, or when the plants have been left too long in one place, 

 or too near to each other. Obviously weakness invites attack, and 

 the necessity of robust and vigorous growth is thus effectually taught. 

 On the first appearance of a curled leaf, dust the foliage and soil with 

 sulphur, and give no water overhead until a cure has been effected. 

 The aphis is easily killed by a dense cloud of tobacco smoke ad- 

 ministered on a quiet night. For this operation the leaves should be 

 quite dry, and when the house is well filled with smoke, remove the 

 embers. Attention to these points will save the plants from being 

 scorched. Some gardeners find it difficult to avoid injuring the 

 plants when tobacco smoke is employed, and they prefer to give an 

 hour or two once a week to the removal of the pest by means of a 

 soft brush. From three to four dozen plants are easily cleansed by 

 hand in the time named. 



