JUNE 345 



CINERARIA. Where a sufficient stock is not already provided, 

 another sowing should be made, following the method advised last 

 month. The seedlings, when transferred to small pots, should be put 

 into a close frame, and be sprinkled with water morning and evening, 

 until the roots take hold. At first it is desirable to keep them fairly 

 warm, but in a fortnight the heat may be gradually reduced, and 

 more air be given until hardy treatment is reached. The plants will 

 need potting on up to November, when they should go into the final 

 size ; and, except for special purposes, 6| or 8| pots are large enough. 

 Cinerarias are sought after by every pest which infests the greenhouse. 

 We need only say that by fumigation, sulphur, or by syringing 

 with a suitable insecticide, the plants must be kept clean, or they 

 cannot be healthy. 



DIANTHUS. For a display next summer, sow in drills drawn six 

 inches apart in an open situation, and cover the seed lightly with fine 

 soil. Shade the spot until the plants show. 



GERANIUM. Sometimes a difficulty is experienced in bringing 

 Geranium seedlings into flower. They possess so much initial vigour, 

 that the production of wood continues to the very end of the season. 

 Plants which show signs of excessive growth should be put into the 

 border without removing the pots. This check to the roots will throw 

 the plants into luxuriant bloom. 



GLADIOLUS are very liable to injury by high wind, and stakes 

 should be put to them in good time. Each plant may have a 

 separate support, and this is the most perfect treatment ; or the 

 stakes may be at intervals, or at the ends of rows, connected by 

 lengths of strong, soft material, to which intervening stems can be 

 secured. The work should be done carefully, and if the flowers are 

 intended for exhibition they must also be shaded by some means. 

 This may be a cheap or a costly proceeding ; but in whatever man- 

 ner it is carried out, security is essential, or the whole bed may be 

 ruined. 



HOLLYHOCK. A sowing in the open ground will produce plants 

 for wintering in the cold frame ; and if generously treated, they will 

 make a fine show in the following year. 



MYOSOTIS. During this month or in July sow the hardy varieties 

 on a prepared seed-bed in a shady spot. August will not be too 

 late. Transplant when ready. 



PANSY. From the end of May to the end of July seedlings may 

 be raised in the open ground. Thin and transplant when ready. 



PORTULACA. The weather may have been too cold and wet for 



