248 THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



pot. If dry, the pot will ring when rapped. Later in the 

 season water should be given two or more times a day, accord- 

 ing to the weather and the vigor of the plant. But do not 

 keep the plant too wet. 



6. Fertilizing. If the plant fails to grow thriftily, a top- 

 dressing of bone-meal mixed with sifted loam may be added 

 the last of August. Commencing in September, a liquid 

 fertilizer should be given once a week until the buds are 

 formed. 



7. Topping and Shaping. Nip off the end buds now and 

 then in July to secure a bushy growth. In August cease 

 topping and allow the plant to grow. When the flower buds 

 are large enough to handle, remove all but one or two from a 

 branchlet, to ensure large, perfect flowers. Having removed 

 the plant to the house before frosts come, use a few neat 

 sticks to support the branches and secure a well-rounded 

 plant for exhibition. 



8. Records. Keep an illustrated, descriptive record of the 

 plant its variety, name, its size and growth, details of cul- 

 ture under each head of the directions, notes of insect pests 

 and other troubles, drawings or color sketches of the plant 

 and its blossoms at different stages and conclusions as to 

 changes in culture advisable the next season. 



