AN HOUR WITH THE HOLLYHOCK. 309 



a portion as early as possible after the formation of the 

 flower-buds ; the nourishment which the supernumerary 

 ones would have absorbed is then directed to the develop- 

 ment of those which remain, and they grow to a larger 

 size. A pair of long narrow-pointed scissors is an excel- 

 lent instrument for this purpose, cutting the buds away 

 close to the stem. Once looking over is scarcely sufficient ; 

 this branch of culture will require close and repeated 

 attention during the rising of the flower-stem. In some 

 instances, one-half of the buds require to be removed. 



It is customary with some, and necessary where culti- 

 vating for exhibition, to shorten the spike by cutting off 

 the top when it arrives at a certain height. This, again, 

 increases the size of the flowers, but shortens the dura- 

 tion of the blooming season. Hence, we should recom- 

 mend this practice only when large flowers is the chief 

 aim of the cultivator, when from the habit of the variety 

 or the richness of the soil there are signs of a too gigantic 

 growth, or when, as before stated, the natural habit is con- 

 sidered objectionable. 



Thus have we briefly passed under review the various 

 practices of culture from the period of placing the cutting 

 or seedling in the ground to the commencement of flower- 

 ing. Hitherto all has been labour; not dull, uniform, or 

 uninteresting, it is true, but cheerful, health-giving, varied, 

 and amusing. Our operations have not been carried on 

 in the unhealthy atmosphere of the laboratory, nor amid 

 the discordant sounds of the mechanics' workshop. We 

 have breathed unintermittingly the free fresh air, the blue 

 vault of heaven alone our canopy, our accompaniments 

 the chirp of insects and the song of birds. Already, then 

 have we reaped some reward ; and such are the charms 

 encircling floricultural pursuits that even our manual 

 labour, decoyed by hope, is ever pleasantly and insensibly 

 impelled. The winter season is, perhaps, the least interest- 

 ing ; there is then little to do, although that little is not 

 unimportant ; our joys are those of anticipation, and 



