4 THE BOOK OF THE WINTER GARDEN 



that normally appear in spring are produced at a time 

 when they are considered far more valuable — in winter. 

 Retardation is often effected by means other than that of 

 the refrigerator, for the stopping and pinching of the 

 summer growth of bouvardias and many other plants 

 are methods practised to prevent the appearance of 

 flowers at too early a date. Such treatment at the same 

 time also increases the number of shoots. Thus strength 

 is gained and flowers retarded until such a time that the 

 grower thinks fit. 



