350 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



borders and potted. It is worth a little trouble to accomplish the 

 task with the least possible injury or disturbance to the roots. Light 

 soils should have a good soaking of water on the previous evening, to 

 prevent the mould from crumbling away. 



CARNATION.- Seed may still be sown as advised in April ; but to 

 carry the plants safely through the winter, it is necessary to have 

 them strong before cold weather sets in. 



CHIONODOXA LUCILLE can be forced with the same ease as 

 Roman Hyacinths. A 48-sized pot will accommodate several 

 bulbs. 



CINERARIAS are frequently placed in the open during this month 

 and September, and as it tends to impart a hardy constitution the 

 practice is to be commended. A north border under a wall will 

 suit them, but the proximity of a hedge should be avoided. Before 

 the plants are put out see that they are quite clean, or it may be 

 necessary to restore them to the house in order to rid them of some 

 troublesome pest. 



DIANTHUS. Either now or a little later transfer seedlings to 

 flowering quarters, and if possible put them into sandy loam in a 

 sunny spot. 



FREESIA. Few and simple are the conditions necessary to the 

 well-being of this beautiful and delicately scented flower. The fine 

 specimens to be seen occasionally in cottagers' windows in the Isle 

 of Wight attest the ease with which it can be grown in a congenial 

 atmosphere. The bulbs are exceedingly small in proportion to the 

 flowers, and the rootlets are so fragile that potting on is nut to be 

 attempted. A 48-sized pot will hold three bulbs, and the soil for 

 them should consist largely of decaying vegetable fibre, such as peat, 

 leaf-mould, and turfy loam. The pots can be stood in any sheltered 

 position out of doors, under a covering of cocoa-nut fibre or other 

 light material, until the foliage begins to grow. 



GERANIUM. A sowing will supply plants for flowering next sum- 

 mer, and the directions given in February are suitable, save that heat 

 can now be dispensed with. These late seedlings will need more care 

 to carry them through the winter than plants raised earlier in the year. 



HYACINTH, ROMAN. Obtain the bulbs as early as possible, and 

 pot them promptly. Place them in any spare corner of the open 

 ground, where they can be covered with cocoa-nut fibre or ashes until 

 the roots are formed. A child may grow this flower ; and as the bulbs 

 are cheap, they should be largely employed for indoor decoration, as 

 well as for bouquets, during the dark winter days. 



