298 3Tfte (JSfartren's 



ing months before the appointed time of its 

 sisterhood ? 



Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora should 

 be a conspicuous flower in all gardens during 

 the autumn months. Unfortunately, it does not 

 thrive in some soils, where it becomes a prey to 

 the red spider. This species may sometimes be 

 seen in perfection in one garden and worthless 

 in an adjoining one. Apart from climatic influ- 

 ences the failure of certain plants is often puz- 

 zling. Much, I think, depends on vigorous sub- 

 jects to start with. Many plants grown year 

 after year by the nurseries in the same soil seem 

 to become enfeebled, or at least to transmit a 

 feeble habit to their offspring. 



Situation likewise has much to do with the 

 failure of a plant too much sun, too much shade, 

 or too much wind. Manure is frequently in- 

 jurious to many subjects, and grubs and insects 

 are more numerous in some places than others. 

 Some soils dry out quickly; others lack some 

 essential element ; still others become weak and 

 deficient in vitality. Manuring in the latter case 

 may assist but does not remedy the trouble. 

 Working over the soil by deep trenching, and 

 adding virgin soil and other elements that are 

 wanting, is perhaps the most effective and trouble- 

 some way out of the difficulty. If one could 



