WIXTER BLOOM. 77 



except in skillful hands. Pigeon or hen-manure, which 

 is somewhat less objectionable, may be prepared in 

 the same proportions. Soot dissolved in water, two 

 tablespoonfuls to a gallon, is highly recommended for 

 Eoses, and is doubtless suitable for many other plants. 



The application of these liquid fertilizers preferring 

 always the best should not be more frequent than once 

 or twice a week at the time for watering, and should be 

 confined for the most part to growing plants while they 

 are budding and flowering. For obvious reasons it should 

 never be allowed in the case of sickly plants, unless the 

 sickliness arises from impoverishment of the soil. When- 

 ever repotting becomes undesirable on any account, such 

 as the size or situation of the plant, then of course the de- 

 ficiency of nutriment may well be supplied in the manner 

 here provided. So also with any bulbs or tubers growing 

 in glasses filled with water. For the present purpose, the 

 forcing of winter-bloom, if excess is avoided, the benefit 

 is unquestionable, as you will see in the increased size, 

 number, and beauty of your flowers. 



I ought not to dismiss this delightful subject of winter- 

 bloom without a hint or two on the 



CARE OF THE FLOWERS. 



If your Carnations show a tendency to burst open on 

 one side, confine the petals within regular bounds by ty- 

 ing the calyx with a thread of green " to match," or using 

 the smallest kind of stationer's India-rubber ring. 



Eemove flowers of every kind as soon as their beauty is 

 gone. You cannot afford the expenditure incurred by 

 the forming and ripening of seed. The same rule may 

 well be observed in the outside garden. 



To prolong the freshness and beauty of the flowers 

 after they have opened, give them some protection from 

 the rays of the sun when most intense ; and, to make 

 this caution necessary, may you have no lack of winter- 

 bloom. 



