The Buds. 91 



In support of the second proposition we mention: 

 (a) Florists often bring their plants into bloom at a de-, 

 sired time by withholding water, (b) The flower-buds 

 of most out- door plants are formed during the drier part 

 of summer,* when a restricted water supply prevents 

 rapid growth, but when abundant sunlight and fully- 

 expanded foliage favor food formation (59). 



We may infer, therefore, that treatment that favors the 

 accumulation of reserve food promotes the formation of 

 flower-buds, a proposition that is borne out by the exper- 

 ience of practical cultivators. 



136. How can we Promote the Accumulation of Reserve 

 Food? Three general principles may be cited: 



A Provide for abundant food formation by giving suf- 

 ficient light and air and by protecting the foliage from 

 attacks of insects and fungi (Chap. Ill, Section VII). 



B Provide sufficient plant food in the soil to satisfy all 

 requirements of food formation (Chap. Ill, Section VI). 



C Provide for a moderate check to growth after the 

 proper amount of growth has been secured. 



In the greenhouse where conditions are under control, 

 these principles are readily followed, and the skilled 

 florist rarely fails to secure bloom at the proper time. 

 He gives the desired check to growth by permitting the 

 roots to become densely matted in the pot (pot-bound), 

 by withholding water, or by pinching the tips of the 

 more vigorous shoots. With out-door perennial plants, 

 as fruit trees, the problem is more difficult, since condi- 

 tions are less under control than with plants under glass, 



* Plants that live over winter and bloom in spring, as the apple, straw- 

 berry etc., form their flower-buds the preceding season. 



