The Forcing of Hybrids. 145 



growth. These should be grown in three-inch pots, 

 rested through November and December, washed out 

 and repotted about January first, and in this way they 

 make fine plants for placing in the border in March or 

 April. 



" When planting, place the weaker growers on the low 

 benches, and those required for first flowering should 

 be in position bj- April, as the growth must be made 

 by the last of July and the plants ready for ripening. 

 Some growers prefer plants budded or grafted on ma- 

 netta, but if I have a good plant from a three-inch pot, 

 as already described, ready to plant April first, I am 

 satisfied. 



"From this time until you are ready to ripen the wood 

 every means must be adopted for producing a strong, 

 rapid growth. Give them plenty of water, and all the 

 air needed for a healthy, sturdy growth. When the 

 days are hot and dry, do not fail to syi-inge often, in 

 order to keep down red spider, for if there is much of 

 this when it becomes necessary to ripen the wood, as 

 soon as water is withheld the leaves ^Vill begin to fall 

 and the result will be, the plant will have neither leaves 

 nor flowers. 



" The ripening of the wood is the most important, as 

 well as difficult part of the process. What is sought to be 

 accomplished is to stop the growth, harden the wood and 

 drop the leaves without loosing the rootx, and this can only 

 be done by the very careful use of water. If they ha^■e 



