A SIMPLE FLOWER GARDEN. 



65 



ceased, thej must be examined carefully to see that no 

 injury from mice, accident, or destructive insects has hap- 

 pened to them. The tea-roses and geraniums must be cut 

 back ; that is, one-half of the wood must be cut off, unless 

 it was done in the fall. The deutzia must not be cut at 

 all. The astilbe, having no visible top, needs no further 

 attention. In placing these plants in the window thej 

 need not be put in the full sun, or great heat. A partially 

 shaded and cool place will answer for the first few weeks. 

 Until the leaves come out, little or no water must be given ; 

 enough to keep the soil from becoming dry will be suffi- 

 cient. If it is desired to extend the season, but one plant 

 need be brought up and forced at once. If it is desired to 

 have white flowers on any particular day during the months 

 of February, March, April, or May, plants of the deutzia 

 or astilbe may be forced about six weeks before the re- 

 quired date ; for instance, if flowers are wanted at Easter 

 (March 17, or thereabouts), begin forcing February first. 



RE'POTTING AZAZIAS, 



oranges, lemons, camellias, and other hard-wooded plants, 

 is generally done but once a year. The proper time to do 

 this is immediately after the plant has bloomed. If it is 

 young, give it a pot one size larger ; if old, and already as 

 large as is convenient, cut and pare away a portion of the 

 roots at the top and bottom, and put into a clean pot of the 

 same size. After potting, prune the plant into a good 



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