84 



A SIMPLE FLOWER GARDEN. 



will destroy them before they can be cut in the evening. 

 On cloudy days it does not make so much dijBference. The 

 explanation of this is to be found in the state of the sap in 

 the plant at different times of the day. From the earliest 

 dawn until sundown the leaves are actively drawing upon 

 the roots, and the sap is flowing freely. At sundown this 

 ceases J and the leaves are nearly dormant till morning. The 

 plant is taking its .rest, — is asleep. The sap may be 

 accumulating, but is not flowing rapidly as during the day. 

 A flower cut in the sunshine will wilt at once, and if not 

 put into water will quickly perish. A flower cut at sunset 

 will remain fresh all night, even if it is not put in water. 

 If put in a close, hot room it will fade in an hour, but in a 

 cool place will not appear to change for many hours. 

 Flowers cut, therefore, at evening, will keep the longest 

 and afibrd the most pleasure. In this connection, it must 

 be kept in mind that no rose should be allowed to expand 

 fully. Cut them all while in bud. This may be applied 

 to every flower. It costs more to bring one flower to full 

 maturity than to produce a dozen buds. Therefore, cut as 

 soon as in condition, and cut them all. To suffer the 

 flowers to fade on a plant, and to go to seed, is to lose nine- 

 tenths of the whole crop. Freedom and generosity in the 

 matter of cutting flowers is the best policy and the truest 

 economy. 



THE TUBEROSE 



can hardly be called a simple flower ; yet, as it costs no more 



