140 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



Stopping, bud-taking, &c., are full of mystery to the 

 novice, but they are comparatively simple matters, and depend 

 a great deal upon the purpose for which the plants are 

 grown. If for exhibition blossoms, the writer has found it 

 best not to pinch or stop the shoots at all, but at each 

 break to select from three to five of the strongest and best 

 shoots, and rub out all the others. About the middle of 

 August, or from then to early in September, these growths 

 form buds (termed crown buds), and all except the centre or 

 largest bud are pinched out. If these buds form in July or 

 very early in August, they are too early for exhibition in November ; 

 consequently, they are taken out, and another shoot is made, 

 which produces a " terminal," or second crown, bud. 



A very great difference exists between these crown and terminal 

 buds ; in many cases the colour is quite distinct on the same 

 plant, as may be proved by allowing one shoot to produce a 

 crown, and one. a terminal bud. For this reason, some varieties 

 are best from one, and some from the other. In describing the 

 sorts for exhibition, it will be noticed that it is stated which is 

 the best bud to choose. If possible, the buds should all be 

 secured by the end of August. Very fine blossoms are obtained 

 from buds formed early in September, but there is always a 

 risk of their not being in time, and also a doubt as to their 

 proving up to the exhibition standard. Immediately the buds 

 are formed, it is advisable to lightly spray the plants with 

 Bordeaux Mixture to prevent mildew or other fungoid attacks. 



At the end of September or early in October, the plants 

 may be placed in a cool, light, airy house, where a little fire- 

 heat may be turned on to expel damp, especially in dull or 

 foggy weather. Plenty of ventilation should be given when- 

 ever the weather is favourable, and any needless spilling of water 

 about the house ought to be avoided, otherwise it will be apt 

 to cause the flowers to "damp." While the blossoms are expanding 

 it will be necessary to pull out a few of the petals, as some are 

 almost sure to be awkward or out of place, and would, if allowed 

 to remain, spoil the symmetry of a blossom. 



When fully developed, an Incurved flower should be deep, full ' 

 in the centre, towards w4iich all the petals should incurve, and 

 be also fresh and of good colour. The Japanese section should 

 have all their flowers deep, wide, with good petals, and well 

 coloured. The same applies in a lesser degree to the Reflexed ; 

 while the Anemone section ought to have the centre, or cushion, 



