CUT FLOWEKS. 127 



If the flowers are likely to come too early, a slight shading 

 will I'etard them, but it must be cautiously done, so as not to 

 draw the growth or spoil the colour of the flowers. In dry 

 weather copious waterings are required to keep the plants 

 fresh and vigorous, and a dose of weak liquid manure occa- 

 sionally is beneficial. For competition, the flowers should be 

 cut early in the morning, and with as long stalks as possible, 

 so that they may last the longer, and be set up effectivel}-. 

 The bunches should be made up as light and free as possible, 

 to show every spike and flower clearly. In most cases a single 

 colour (one variety) will be found most effective ; while in 

 others several colours (varieties of one species), when properly 

 combined, will produce the most charming effect. The points 

 of merit in annuals are : (1.) Freshness and tasteful arrange- 

 ment of the bunches; (2.) size and texture of the blooms; 

 and (3.) brilliancy and purity of the colours. 



AXTIRKHIXUil. 



This forms a prominent object at many local flower-shows 

 in the autumn months, and is a special favourite in the cottage- 

 gaixlen. Among the best are Anson Shiel, Agnes, Cleopatra, 

 Favourite, Henry Wood, and The Bard. To obtain exhibition 

 specimens the plants should be raised from cuttings annuallj'. 

 Select stubby, short-jointed shoots early in the autumn, and 

 insert them in sand and leaf-mould, placing them in a cold 

 frame near the glass, and in such a position as not to require 

 shading. By April they will be well rooted, and should then 

 be planted out two feet apart on ground that has been well 

 pulverised, manured, and specially prepared for them. Keep 

 clean from weeds, and reduce the number of shoots if too 

 many are produced. Stake them when necessary. Mulch and 

 water in hot dry weather. The points of merit are : (1.) Num- 

 ber of flowers and size of spike; (2.) size and texture of the 

 tube, the lip of which should be well extended to show the 

 throat; and (3.) the colour clear, the markings well defined, 

 and the stripes distinct, well contrasted, and regular. The 

 selfs should be pure, and of a decided colour. 



