140 CUT FLOWEES. 



planting the healthiest roots, or pieces, in fresh soil enriched 

 with well-rotted manure. In dry weather attention must be 

 given to watering and mulching them when necessary. The 

 stems must be carefully staked, and the flowers protected from 

 wind and rain as soon as they begin to open, so that they may 

 be preserved in the best possible condition. In growing a 

 collection for exhibition there is a wide choice of beautiful 

 kinds, and the following eleven genera may be named as a 

 good selection : — Ane7no'ne japonica alba, Delphinium grandi- 

 floruin plenum, Didamnus frcacinella, Dm'onicum columnm, 

 Gaillardia aristata, G. grandiflora, Inula glandulosa, Orchis 

 foliosa, Phygelius capensis, Rudheclcia speeiosa, Spircea palmata, 

 and Verafrian nigrum,. 



The points of merit in herbaceous spikes are ; (1.) The size, 

 vigour, and freshness of the inflorescence ; (2.) size and quality 

 of the flowers : and (3.) the richness, contrast, and purity of 

 the colours. 



HOLLYHOCK. 



This is of a stiffer and more robust character of spike than 

 the Gladiolus ; it also lacks its bright colours and graceful 

 appearance. It has many votaries, however ; and were it not 

 so subject to disease, it would be better represented at exhibi- 

 tions. The following are some of the finest varieties for com- 

 petition : — Alba Superba, Charles Chater, Czar, F. G. Dougal, 

 Her Majesty, Jane Wilson, Kerr's Scarlet, Mrs. Laing, Model, 

 Pink Perfection, Queen of Bufifs, and Queen of Yellows. 



In the cultivation of the Hollyhock, the soil should be pre- 

 pared as advised for Dahlias. A position sheltered from the 

 wind should be chosen, but it must be fully exposed to the sun. 

 As the Hollyhock is nearly hardy, it may be planted out any 

 time in spring, while old plants may be left out all winter, with 

 a slight protection in severe weather. Plants intended for com- 

 petition should be struck from cuttings, or eyes, in the autumn 

 and potted on as they require it, They should be grown in 

 frames, protected only in severe frost, and planted out on the 

 first favoiirable opportunity in spring. A liberal supply of 

 liquid manure when they are growing is very beneficial. As 



