888 AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



now, and thinning out is highly beneficial to prevent overcrowding, and 

 to give us vigorous, healthy, fine flowers. 



Violets and Pansies. They are just coming to perfection. The flower- 

 ing is helped by the process recommended for hollyhocks, &c. 



Grass. Now is the time to make a firm foundation for grass, whether 

 edgings, plots, or the larger pieces for lawns or playgrounds. See that 

 every weed is got out, mow closely, and add to the surface a light or a 

 heavier coating as may be required of rich soil. Roll firmly where the soil 

 is dry, and the results include firm soles of rich grass that delight the eye 

 all through the summer. 



BUSH-HOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 



More Bush-house Shelter. Look up the chapter on flower gardening. 

 The bush house is in reality the very backbone of flower successes during 

 spring as well as summer weather. 



Ferns. They hold out better than most things during dry spells. 

 Cut off all decayed fronds to give strength to others. Most ferns do best 

 with shade, but there are exceptions. Cheilanthes, Woodsias, Pellseas, 

 Northoclaenas, Ac., are better without it, and thrive in the full light and 

 with abundance of air. Gold and silver ferns, too, in a modified degree, do 

 admirably under very similar treatment. The Filmy ferns, Todeas, Tri- 

 chomanes, &c., which in nature are found growing under dense shade or 

 overhanging rocks, and in many cases under a constant drip of water, 

 mnst have special shelter. 



Fuchsias. They start off into summer growth, but suffer badly with- 

 out water. Liquid manure helps to keep up the vitality, as it does all 

 soft- wooded plants breaking into flower and leaf. 



Propagating. By division of the roots, and by cuttings, many soft- 

 wooded plants just starting into growth can be increased at this time. 

 For making cuttings root freely, sandy soil is best. 



The Newly Potted. If at all possible, let the roots have the moisture 

 they require direct, by setting the pots in water. Water that has come 

 through pipes, carrying, as most of it does, iron in a bad form, should be 

 avoided. Rain water is best, and, where possible, a tank should be re- 

 served for sprinkling. 



Renewing. Pots that have to be used again, and woodwork that 

 shows signs of decay, will be all the better of renewing now to prevent 

 spread offungus growths, which are always active at this time. 



SEMI-TROPICAL CULTIVATION. 



In the Paddock and Field. The true spring of Australia is felt with 

 full force in the warmer sections of country. Grass begins to make active 

 growth. Sugar-cane can be planted ; also maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes, 

 yams, arrowroot, tobacco, and crops for feed. Look up the chapter on 

 Semi-Tropical Cultivation. 



In the Garden. Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and tropical fruits 

 generally of the evergreen type, can be set out. 



Shrubs and Flowers. Our dependence during the next six months will 

 be for floral beauties upon the thousand and one shrubs that can be grown 

 in the open air. Annuals are not so satisfactory for summer flowering. 



