NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 131 



place. It is probable that the soil will, with such heavy 

 waterings, become baked on the surface, and will crack. 

 Whenever that is observed, let the surface be broken fine 

 with a small three-pronged fork, or push hoe ; but the roots 

 must not be disturbed nor the foliage injured by this 

 operation. A gentle watering should be given immediately 

 after the forking. Continue this abundant supply of water 

 whenever the weather is dry, up to the bloom beginning to 

 open, and then discontinue it, and more especially if the 

 plants are shaded during the time the sun has its greatest 

 power. 



Shading, This shade should be applied at the time the 

 flowers begin to expand, and not before. A shelter formed 

 like the one we shall describe for the Tulip would be the best, 

 as it would allow all the blooms to be constantly seen, and 

 would protect them from heavy rains and dews, which very 

 soon tarnish the bright colours almost as much as the 

 scorching rays of a December sun. Those who may not 

 choose to erect such a Summer shelter may form one of the 

 arched hoops and long rods, covered with coarse canvas, or 

 scrim, to be taken off when the sun does not shine brightly, 

 and in fair weather. The arches may be made of rods bent 

 over a long stout rail, nailed to upright posts at each end of 

 the bed, with a sufficient number of posts in the bed itself. 

 Shading is not usually resorted to in colonial gardens, nor is 

 it necessary, except where it is desired to prolong the 

 pleasure of the blooming season of these gorgeous flowers. 



Taking Up and Storing. The right time to take up 

 the roots is as soon as the leaves have withered. When the 

 bloom is quite over, cut down all the flower stems. If the 

 weather be hot and dry, the leaves will soon decay after the 

 flower stems are removed. They may then be lifted, and 

 left exposed to the air until they are thoroughly dried, 

 then pack them up in paper, and keep them in a dry, 

 airy place. Here they may remain till the season of planting 

 returns, requiring only to be looked over occasionally, and 

 all decaying roots or other injurious matter removed. Should 

 mouldiness appear upon the tubers, you may be certain 

 either that the room is too damp, or that they have been 

 put away before they were properly dried. 



