304 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



want at least one watering a day throughout the summer, and they 

 may want two or three in very hot spells. A space of a couple 

 of inches will be left at the top when the final potting is done, 

 and if this is filled right up to the brim the supply will be suffi- 

 cient to well moisten the soil right through. If there is a doubt 

 as to whether water is wanted or not the pots may be rung 

 with the knuckles, and if they emit a hollow sound water should 

 be given at once. If, by any mischance, watering has been over- 

 looked so long that the soil has broken away from the side, the 

 pots should be stood bodily to the brim in a tub of water, and 

 not be taken out until bubbles have ceased to rise and the soil 

 has filled out again. 



In October the plants should be placed under glass to flower. 

 The actual date may depend upon the weather. In the absence 

 of sharp frost or persistent soaking rains they may be left out until 

 the middle of the month, but in most districts and seasons it is 

 advisable to house them a little earlier. The house into which 

 they are to go should be well cleaned betimes, so that there is 

 nothing in the way of a prompt transference when the state of the 

 weather renders it advisable. 



The reason why it is advisable to leave them out as long as is 

 consistent with safety, and with allowing time for the development 

 of the flowers, is that the heavy dews benefit the plants. They 

 will miss this fine and grateful moisture when they are first put 

 into the house, and may show a tendency to sulk. If kept a little 

 dry at the root for a few days, and given abundance of ventilation, 

 they will get over that and start growing cheerfully again. 



While they are swelling their buds, both in and out of doors, 

 they will appreciate liquid manure. It need not be given for the 

 first few weeks after potting, because the food in the soil will be 

 ample to sustain the plants; but subsequently it may be given 

 twice a week. Many of the advertised proprietary fertilisers, which 

 are sold in small tins and bags, are excellent for Chrysanthemums ; 



