144 NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 



good trusses of well-shaped, bright-coloured flowers. The 

 best season for this operation is September. The potting 

 soil or compost may be the same as recommended for out- 

 door culture. As soon as the potting is finished give a 

 gentle watering, and place them in the frame. Peg down 

 such shoots as are long enough for the purpose, spread them 

 out equally over the surface of the pot, and nip off the ends 

 of every long shoot, which will cause them to break out 

 more shoots, and the pinning down will also induce shoots 

 to spring up from the centre of the plant. 



The plants will grow rapidly, and will soon require a 

 second shift. At this shift they will require at least an inch 

 of drainage. There should be about an inch of space between 

 the ball and the sides of the fresh pots. Turn the plants 

 carefully out of the pots, pick out the greater part of the 

 old drainage, place as much soil upon the new drainage as 

 will raise the ball nearly level with the rim of the pot, avoid 

 deep potting, press the earth down round the ball firmly, but 

 gently, and give a smart stroke upon a firm part of the 

 bench to settle the whole. This will leave sufficient space 

 within the rim of the pot to hold a good watering. As 

 potting is finished, return the plants to the pit, and water 

 them moderately overhead. During the operation peg down 

 the shoots when long enough, trim off the decayed leaves, 

 stop the shoots, apply sticks, and clear off insects by fumi- 

 gation if any appear. 



Protecting Bloom. As soon as the flowers begin to ex- 

 pand they require to be sheltered from the bright rays of the 

 sun, high or hot winds. Those in pots, in frames, are very 

 easily protected from too bright sun by a covering of thin 

 canvas. Shading will only be necessary for those blooms 

 required for show purposes. 



Planting in Beds. The bed or beds to receive the 

 plants should be in good order about the last week in 

 October ; the plants should, by a little care in stopping, be 

 nice little bushes. Plant in beds or borders eighteen 

 inches plant from plant. 



Propagation : by Cuttings. There are two seasons for 

 this operation Spring and Autumn. The time for making 

 the first batch of cuttings may be August and September. 

 It will be necessary to place the stock plants in heat for 



