312 AN HOUR WITH THE HOLLYHOCK. 



space created by their removal will be filled up by the 

 fuller expansion of the surrounding flowers. 



There is now an additional demand on our activity 

 if the flowers are required for exhibition. One of the 

 most urgent of the requirements of our favourites is a 

 shade, to protect them from sun, rain, and wind. Where 

 the plants are so disposed as to admit of it, a canvas 

 awning is perhaps the best contrivance. Let it be so 

 constructed that it may be drawn up and down at pleasure, 

 and used only as a protection against rain and strong sun- 

 light. But there are circumstances under which each 

 plant may require a separate shade, and how shall we 

 accomplish this ? Four pieces of deal quartering, about an 

 inch or an inch and a quarter square, may be nailed 

 together in the form of a pyramid, and of a given height, 

 according to the height of the variety. This placed over 

 the plant, the lower ends are fixed firmly in the ground, 

 and the part where the flowers are is covered with cheap 

 calico dressed to stand the weather.* The bottom and 

 top of this shade being entirely open, it is particularly 

 cool ; and being much narrower at the top than at the 

 bottom, the flowers are well shielded from the sun and 

 rain. 



Now, for a time at least, we have little to do but to 

 enjoy their beauty. If the weather be dry, frequent and 

 copious waterings must be made ; for the Hollyhock is a 

 great consumer of moisture, and the water should be given 

 in such quantity that it may sink into the soil to a 

 considerable depth. 



If the cultivator have the leisure, or be fond of 

 employing himself among his flowers, he will find an 



* The following glaze for calico is recommended by "The Gardeners' 

 Chronicle." "Three pints of old pale linseed oil, one ounce of sugar of lead, 

 and four ounces of white resin. The sugar of lead must be ground with a 

 small quantity of the oil, and added to the remainder, incorporated with the 

 resin by means of gentle heat. Lay it on the calico with a brush. One coat 

 annually is sufficient." 



