250 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



but they are very sensitive to heat, and require only to be 

 given the light when they have started to grow, without any 

 forcing. Forty to 45 will be as warm as they ever need be 

 kept. See the article on Bulbs; also, the advice given for 

 the various plants under their respective names. 



Pests. Window-Garden pests are discussed under Insects. 



Winter-killing is induced by a late fall growth, 

 and also by a dry, unprotected soil. All tender woody plants 

 should be well ripened before cold weather comes: cease 

 tillage early: do not apply stimulating manures late in the 

 season. Mulch all tender or half hardy plants (see Mulch}. 

 Even hardy plants are benefited by a mulch. When pos- 

 sible, it is better to bend plants to the ground and cover 

 them than to wrap them up as they stand ; but this cannot 

 be done with tall or stiff subjects. Wrapping in straw or 

 burlaps affords excellent protection, but it is possible to 

 wrap too heavily. A barrel, less the heads, may be set over 

 small plants and then filled with leaves or other loose litter ; 

 or a cylinder of wire chicken -screen may be substituted for 

 the barrel. Remove the protection in the spring before the 

 bud's start. See that mice do not nest in the barrel or 

 in the mulch. 



Zinnia. Showy hardy annuals. The old for- 

 mal type of Zinnias has given place to a race of freer forms 

 which are excellent plants either for color effect or for 

 cutting. The colors have been varied and brightened, the 

 flowers doubled and the plants dwarfed. Seed should be 

 sown in a hotbed or house in March, transplanted once at 

 least before planting out, and set in well enriched soil. Or, 

 the seed may be sown where the plants are to grow. The 

 tall varieties (3 feet) should stand 18 to 24 inches apart. 

 These are best for masses at a distance. 



