CHIKA ASTERS. 



153 



with the fingers pressing the moist earth into a ball 

 around the roots, set them in the ground up to the lower 

 leaves, and if the weather is dry, press the soil firmly 

 around the roots. If the soil is moist, it must not be 

 pressed so firmly around the roots. The proper distance 

 apart depends on the variety; I usually plant the large 



Fig. 35. ASTER FLO\VER. 



kinds fifteen inches apart each way; the smaller, or dwarf 

 varieties, should be planted in rows fifteen inches apart, 

 and every seven and a half inches in the row. Keep the 

 ground entirely free from weeds by the constant use of 

 the hoe or rake. During a severe drouth, the ground 

 may be mulched with the clippings of the lawn. "Wa- 

 tering with a solution of superphosphate, say one table- 

 spoonful to a gallon of water, will prove beneficial. 



The varieties of Asters are numerous, and can be raised 

 true from seed. The lamented Darwin states that he 

 procured packets of twenty-five named varieties of com- 



