CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION. 25 



would be safe to give a dressing of nitrate of soda ; but 

 be very careful with this. Mix one pound of nitrate in 

 two gallons of water, dissolving every particle. Then to 

 every two gallons of water add half-a-pint of the nitrate 

 liquid, the proportions being half-an-ounee of nitrate to two 

 gallons of water. This will be quite strong enough, and 

 before using it be careful that none of the plants are 

 quite dry. The whole of the plaints may be watered with 

 the solution if their buds have been secured. This dress- 

 ing may be repeated in about a fortnight, but not after the 

 plants are housed, for it has a tendency to cause damping. 

 Continue to use other stimulants farmyard manure, or 

 something else that will enrich the soil, for nitrate does not 

 do this. Nitrate is merely stimulating, like brandy to an 

 exhausted man; but "Farmyard" is really food, like 

 beef-tea. 







Housing the Plants. 



Well, we are, say, in the last week of September. 

 Everything that can be done for the plants' benefit has 

 been done. All earwigs (that could be found) have been 

 killed; all mildew checked; alll side-shoots cleaned off, etc. 

 Now the houses should be painted or cleaned, and made 

 drip-proof. If ia house is standing by itself and can be 

 thoroughly emptied, some sulphur may be burnt in it. 

 This kills everything; but if it join other houses, or the 

 dwelling house, then sulphur will not do; for it not only 

 kills plants, but tarnishes pictures, plate, etc., as well. 

 But, above all, see that the houses are drip-proof. 



All plants should be housed by the end of September, for 

 the simple reason that they are not safe out of doors after 

 that ; and as they begin to show colour they should be 

 slightly shaded. 



