1 78 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



distance between each plant of three feet for the Japanese sorts, and the 

 same distance between each row. The Pompons require less space, two 

 and a-half feet between the plants and the rows answering the pur- 

 pose well. An occasional hoeing between the plants during the 

 summer months will keep weeds in check, and sweeten the soil. 

 In very dry weather water copiously, and give a liberal supply 

 of liquid manure once or twice after the buds are formed. In wet 

 weather dust the soil around the plants with one of the concentrated 

 manures. It will be necessary before the summer has advanced much, 

 to insert a stout stake, or bamboo cane, for the support of the taller 

 plants. The main stem should be tied fairly tightly to the stake, and 

 the branching growths lightly looped to it also. Do not disbud the 

 plants except in the case of the more crowded sorts, and then only 

 partially, or the flowers will expand quite out of character. The early- 

 flowering varieties succeed well in pots, those eight inches in diameter, 

 in almost every instance, answering their requirements. 



Housing the Plants. With regard to the ordinary mid-season, 

 or November-flowering plants, they must be placed under glass towards 

 the end of September, or the first week in October. The work entirely 

 depends upon the condition of the plants, and the kind of weather at 

 this period. Plants should be housed in September as soon as any of 

 the buds begin to show colour, otherwise the heavy dews will result in 

 " damping," in which case the buds often become worthless. About the 

 third week in September sharp frosts often occur, and it is wise to place 

 as many plants as possible under glass without delay, as the grower 

 must run no risks at this time. When the weather remains genial and 

 open, proceed with the housing of the plants leisurely, making a careful 

 arrangement to obtain a good effect. Thoroughly cleanse the glass, lime- 

 wash the walls, and make the roof waterproof. Drip must be prevented 

 at all costs. On no account crowd the plants, as this is a fruitful source 

 of failure. 



Treatment of Plants under Glass. When once the plants are 

 housed in the autumn, and their arrangement determined so as to obtain 

 the best effect, give abundant ventilation. To keep the plants healthy, 

 doors and ventilators should be kept wide open when the weather is 

 favourable. When they are not crowded, and air is permitted to 

 circulate freely in the house, the leaves are less apt to fall. It is well 

 to water in the early morning, so that superfluous moisture is dried up 

 before the evening, and give liquid manure until the flowers are two- 

 thirds expanded, after which gradually cease supplying stimulants until 

 only clear water is applied. Dead leaves should be picked off, and the 

 soil in the pots kept free from weeds. The trapping of earwigs should 

 also be continued, and caterpillars watched for after dark, a good 

 lantern being invaluable for this purpose; keep hot-water pipes well 

 warmed on frosty nights and days. Also, when the weather is damp and 

 foggy, maintain a temperature of about fifty degrees ; this will prevent 

 damping, and assist the buds to open. 



