AN HOUR WITH THE HOLLYHOCK. 307 



little creatures take refuge, and may be easily caught and 

 destroyed. Some are exceedingly minute, and to guard 

 against them it is well to strew lime, wood-ashes, or soot 

 around the plants. 



Fogging of the leaves in winter is very prevalent among 

 Hollyhocks. The plant is then in a state of comparative 

 rest ; the leaves are very apt to decay, and if they are not 

 speedily removed the contagion spreads. As a preventive 

 of this evil the frame should be set in a sunny place, and 

 too much air can scarcely be given, provided moisture and 

 severe frost be excluded. 



As frost is not unusual in the months of April and 

 May the time we recommend for spring planting the 

 plants which have been brought from a frame will still 

 require some protection. For this purpose an inverted 

 flower pot answers admirably. It may be placed over the 

 plant in the evening, and removed again with the rising of 

 the sun. It should be borne in mind at this stage of 

 culture that the Hollyhock is a lover of moisture, and 

 water should be given abundantly, especially during dry 

 weather. 



But while paying proper attention to young plants from 

 which we expect the finest blooms, we must not forget to 

 administer to the wants of those which have gladdened 

 us with their blossoms during the preceding year. The 

 ground, especially if there have been many visitors, will be 

 trodden firm, and should be well broken up with a fork 

 early in March, A good dressing of manure should be 

 worked in during this operation. The Hollyhock is not a 

 flower that will long lie dormant beneath the influence of 

 the sunny days of spring. Soon the flower stems begin to 

 rise, and often so numerous that it is desirable to remove 

 some. This should be done so soon as they are sufficiently 

 formed to enable one to judge which will be the strongest. 

 Allow no plant to develope more than three spikes, some 

 two only, and a weak plant one. In all cases where growing 

 for exhibition a single spike is sufficient, the object then is 



