PINCHING THE SHOOTS 83 



During the summer the beds receive three or four 

 waterings with liquid manure, which is either drainings 

 from stables or from cesspits. It is also a common practice 

 to top-dress the beds, soon after the plants are set out, with 

 malt sprouts from the breweries. This is believed to be an 

 excellent stimulant for Azaleas, but when used extravagantly 

 it often gives rise to canker. The plants are lifted from 

 the beds in October, and placed so close together that the 

 tops touch each other on stages close to the glass in low 

 houses, leaf-soil being put about their roots ; they remain 

 there until May, when they are again planted out. This 

 round of treatment is repeated annually as long as the plants 

 are in the nursery. Most of them are disposed of when 

 they are three years old from the date of grafting. 



The pinching of the shoots to compel the plants to form 

 good heads requires to be done by an experienced grower. 

 The shoots are never allowed to grow more than about 

 3 inches, or " 6 leaves long " as it is reckoned. Pinching 

 is done in summer whilst growth is active. During the 

 winter the plants are examined, and the shoots regulated by 

 tying or pruning to get a well-formed head. The houses 

 or frames in which the plants are wintered are kept cool 

 and airy, and in frosty weather a temperature just above 

 freezing-point is maintained. Azaleas rarely require to be 

 watered in winter. The roots are so fibrous, and they 

 form, with the leaf-mould, such a close mat or ball, 

 that there is no danger of injury from transplanting ; 

 consequently they are not potted until they reach the 

 purchaser. 



A few varieties are raised from cuttings, and the plants 

 are sold when they are small. These are Charles Enke, 

 Mde. de Cruyssen, Louise Marie, and Hexe. 



