350 AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



FLOWERS AND SHRUBS. 



Seasonable Operations. Dahlias, where cut and manured in the autumn 

 treatment, seldom fail to give vigorous growth. But the elegance of cosmos 

 and chrysanthemums are pressing those beauties closely to occupy the 

 place held so long by the dahlias. The chrysanthemum tribe, of late years, 

 has been brought to great perfection by hybridisation. The colours are ex- 



3uisite, as are the forms of flowers classed as incurved, anemone-flowered, 

 apanese and pompones. The lists of varieties offered by nurserymen are 

 ample for those who love either form or colour, or blendings of both. 



Things Worth Looking Up. Amongst other beautiful things flowering 

 at this time may be dahlia imperialis, which has a majestic appearance ; its 

 single pinkish hued flowers hanging in graceful clusters ; it requires liberal 

 treatment, and a good sheltered position. Dombeya Natalensis loaded with 

 beautiful white flowers.* Cuttings of this plant may be struck, any fairly 

 good garden soil suits. The composite Veronia Arborea has clusters of pale 

 lavender flowers, very striking. Cyclobothra fusca is a remarkable flower- 

 ing bulbous plant from Mexico, flowering at this time ; it requires a rich, 

 sandy loam. 



Propagating. May is a busy month for transplanting shrubs and 

 making fresh flower beds. Next month we may commence pruning, manur- 

 ing and digging shrubberies and flower borders, and as the work is proceed- 

 ing divide herbaceous plants, taking care to leave the youngest portions of 

 the plants in the ground ; also plant out spring flowering seedlings, of which 

 there ought to be plenty. When planting pansies and violets, give them 

 sufficient well-rotted manure, or disappointment in the shape of small 

 flowers will ensue. 



Sowing and Saving Seeds. Sow for Virginian stocks, alyssum fo r 

 rockeries or rough places, pansies, German stocks, and double French an" 

 German carnation-striped poppies in small pots, are very attractive. Pop' 

 pies make a grand display in October and November. Save seeds of amar" 

 ranthus, cockscomb, balsam, gaillardia, zinnia, and the French and African 

 marigolds. Put decaying plants into the compost heap ; the decaying 

 vegetable matter makes excellent manure for pot plants. 



Roses. Put in cuttings (but do not prune the plants back yet); select 

 well-ripened wood and cut with a sharp knife into lengths with seven eyes 

 attached ; cut out the four lower eyes, to prevent the plant from suckering. 

 Insert this portion in the ground, the three eyes above ground to form the 

 future branches. Take up and pot or plant in their permanent quarters any 

 layers that have made roots of choice varieties of roses. 



Bulbs. As anemones, ranunculuses, and hyacinths get above ground' 

 give them a good top dressing of well-rotted manure. 



Grass. Lawns that arc poor induce a great many weeds to root 

 upon the surface, now is a good time to get them out ; in the spring a 

 light top dressing of good, rich sifted soil can be applied to help on the 

 grass vigorously. 



BUSH AND GLASS HOUSES. 



Seasonable. The tubers of caladiums, gloxinias, tydoeas, and achimanes, 

 after the foliage has died down, should be carefully stowed away. An 

 excellent way to preserve bulbs from decay in winter is to place them in 

 powdered charcoal in a rather warm and dry position. Encourage the 



