658 CALENDAR FOR UP-COUNTRY 



lawn is to be made, prepare the ground early in the month for sowing in 

 April, or for turfing in May or later. 



April. Weather showery. Average rainfall 7'62 in. on 16 days. Mean 

 temp. 64 deg. Sow seeds collected last month, and continue collecting. 

 Cut away dead stems, leaves, etc., from annuals, and pull out unsightly 

 plants that have finished flowering, Keep drains and culverts clean in case 

 of heavy plumps of rain. This is the best month for sowing lawn grass seed. 

 Owing to the approaching monsoon rains, it is not advisable to put down 

 vegetables, as potatoes, peas, beans, and onions until at least the end of July. 



May. Weather showery with strong wind after the arrival of the 

 South-west monsoon about end of month. Average rainfall 6*90 in. on 15 

 days. Mean temp. 65 deg. At the commencement of the month stake all tall 

 plants in exposed positions. Continue to collect and sow seeds. Where 

 annuals have finished flowering, the ground should be dug up, manured 

 lightly and prepared for planting out with seedlings in June or July. Advan- 

 tage should be taken of the wet weather for planting pockets in banks, 

 rockeries, etc. Repair turf of lawns where necessary. Except potatoes, 

 onions, and peas, a few vegetables may be put down, although they are liable 

 to be damaged by the strong wind and rain. These remarks apply also to 

 June and July. 



June. Weather generally wet and always windy. Average rainfall 

 8'13 in. on 19 days. Mean temp. 62 deg. Plant up vacant corners and banks. 

 Put in cuttings of all kinds, especially such as Verbenas and Petunias, which 

 have finished flowering. Stack manure ; where necessary lay down turf and 

 repair verges. Prune shrubs and shape trees during this or the next month. 

 Order foreign seeds so as to arrive by the end of August. 



July. Weather moderately wet, but still very windy. Average rainfall 

 6'02 in. on 19 days. Mean temp. 62 deg. The most difficult month in which 

 to keep a garden tidy, owing to the prevailing strong winds. Clean up all 

 rubbish, and place the leaves in pits to rot and form leaf-mould. Continue 

 planting banks, rockeries, etc. Divide and re-plant violets in sheds. Prune 

 fruit trees generally. Prick out seedlings, and plant out when large enough. 

 Plant-shed roofs should be made rain-proof. Most pot-plants will now require 

 re-potting or top-dressing. When the weather is too wet for out-door work, 

 all pots, pans, boxes, etc., should be thoroughly washed inside and out, and 

 then put away to dry and be ready for the foreign seeds which are due to 

 arrive at the end of next month. Collect good soil, and store away leaf-mould 

 and dried cattle dung. Cuttings of all kinds do well if put in during this 

 month. This is one of the best flowering months for Amaryllids and 

 Liliaceous plants. 



August. Weather fairly dry and pleasant, though often windy. Average 

 rainfall 4-43 in. on 17 days. Mean temp. 62 deg. The foreign seeds ordered 

 in June should now have arrived, but must not be open until everything is 

 ready for sowing them, as most kinds deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the 

 air. Whether pots, boxes, or sheds are used, the soil for sowing in must be 

 fine, light and rich; a sprinkling of sand should be added to render it porous, 

 dung should be rubbed fine before mixing with the soil. Sow such seeds as 

 Begonias, Campanulas, Carnations, Cyclamens, Gloxinias, Golden Feather, 

 Petunias, Salpiglossis, Stocks, Sweet Peas, etc. Sow small quantities at 

 intervals rather than all at once, keeping the balance in air-tight tins or 



