WORK IN THE GARDEN 



a mulch of grass-clippings from the lawn. Most 

 of our annuals will stand quite a drouth. 



If one is connected with a system of water- 

 works it is an easy matter to tide a garden over 

 a drouth. But where there is nothing but the 

 pvunp to depend on for a supply of water, I 

 would not advise beginning artificial watering 

 except in rare cases, like that of the Dahlia. We 

 always find that so much work is required in 

 supplying our plants from the pump that after 

 a little we abandon the undertaking, and the re- 

 sult is that the plants we set out to be kind to are 

 left in a worse condition, when we give up our 

 spasmodic attention, than they would have been 

 in if we had not begun it. 



It is well to use the hoe constantly if the season 

 is a dry one. Keep the surface of the soil open 

 that it may take in all the moisture possible. On 

 no account allow it to become crusted over. 



Seed of perennials can be sown now to furnish 

 plants for flowering next season. 



Look to the Dahlias, and make sure they are 

 properly staked. 



Be on the lookout for black beetle on Aster 

 and Chrysanthemum. As soon as one is discov- 

 ered apply Nicoticide, and apply it thoroughly, 

 all over the plant. Promptness is demanded in 

 fighting this voracious pest. 



365 



