174 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



must be well mixed, turning the heap over repeatedly each day for a few 

 days, and keep the mixture outdoors. In the meantime the pots for 

 this final shift should be got ready, washed inside as well as outside, and 

 the potsherds cleansed also. Plants at this time in six-inch pots should 

 be transferred into those either nine or ten inches in diameter, selecting 

 those of more vigorous growth for pots of larger size. Those in five- 

 inch pots may go into those eight or nine inches across, observing the 

 same rule regarding the more vigorous sorts as advised for others just 

 mentioned. Many of the Japanese varieties succeed better in large pots, 

 but for the incurved Anemones, and other large-flowered types, pots 

 nine inches in diameter are excellent. For the Pompons, singles and 

 early-flowering kinds, choose the eight-inch size, as in these they 

 develop into quite delightful decorative plants for the conservatory. 

 This is also a useful size to select for plants grown to give cut flowers. 

 Crock with care, covering the crocks with a handful of half -inch bones 

 or crushed oyster shells, this layer in turn being covered with pieces of 

 turfy loam as before. Place a good layer of soil over the turfy loam just 

 referred to, making it firm ; and with regard to other details pot with in- 

 creased firmness. The compost should be worked well down the sides of the 

 pots, taking care not to damage the roots of the plants, and, as before, keep 

 the surface of the ball of earth being repotted well below the rim of the 

 pot, at least one and a-half inches, to facilitate watering. Begin first 

 with the stronger growing and well-rooted plants, and as the operation 

 generally takes some time, the latest batch will succeed in proper order. 

 Stand the plants in groups of about twenty each, and thus keep them 

 cool at the roots. If the plants are not staked by this time delay no longer. 

 Either insert temporarily small hazel stakes about two feet in length, or 

 secure a bundle or two of bamboo canes, which vary in length from 

 about three feet upwards to suit the height of almost any plant. They 

 are neat, lasting, and seem specially adapted for the purpose. Water as 

 advised earlier. 



Summer Quarters. An open position is advisable, as full ex- 

 posure to the sun and free circulation of air between the plants 

 promote sturdy growth. The best place is one with a south and 

 western aspect, where shelter from the south-westerly and other gales 

 can be provided. Stand the plants in rows running north and south 

 and upon boards, slates, or tiles to keep out worms. Stout galvanised 

 wire should be strained between uprights at either end of the rows, and 

 supported by others about fifteen feet apart. Two rows of wire, one at 

 three feet and another at five feet above the garden level, will answer 

 well, and securely tie the stakes in the pots to these cross wires, using 

 tarred twine or thin wire. This done well rough winds will inflict no 

 damage. Those who cannot devote a portion of their garden to this 

 purpose should use the sides of the gravel paths. 



Summer Treatment Chrysanthemums require unremitting atten- 

 tion. Watering is of the utmost importance. Water should only 

 be given when the plants are dry at the roots, not dust dry, as 

 this means a serious check. The way to ascertain whether water is 

 needful or otherwise is to rap the pot with the knuckles, or anything 



