72 



JULY— SECOSTD WEEK. 



stems to be properly sticked, so as to keep them in due 

 bounds, and also to assist in presenting a large mass of 

 flowers to the eye at once. 



Pelargoniums. — If the plants have been exposed to 

 the open air, as advised in a previous calendar, they will 

 now be fit to cut down. After the plants are cut down, 

 place them in a shady place until the most forward young 

 shoots are one inch long ; then shake them out, and repot 

 into small pots, using sandy loam and peat only, and 

 placing them in a close, cold frame until they begin to 

 grow again ; after which freely expose them to the 

 weather until heavy rains in autumn, or the approach of 

 frost, renders it necessary to house them for the winter. 



STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE. 



Cleanliness is indispensable amongst the Orchids, use 

 a sponge to remove filth from the leaves. See that no 

 plants are neglected in standing in corners or behind 

 large plants ; arrange and re-arrange frequently, as it 

 tends both to promote the healthy growth of the plants 

 and a pleasing variety in the house. 



FORCING-HOUSES. 



Cucumbers. — Although bright hot weather may pre- 

 vail, it is advisable to keep up a brisk, regular bottom 

 as well as top heat. Strike cuttings of choice sorts for 

 winter bearing. 



Melons. — The same as advised for Cucumbers, as they 

 both delight in plenty of heat to keep them healthy and 

 in regular bearing. Give them good soakings of weak 

 manure water occasionally, and shut up early on all fine 

 days, sprinkling the sides of the pits or frames, and the 

 plants at times overhead. When watering the plants 

 never allow any to fall on the main stem. If gum, or 

 canker, appears, apply lime to the parts affected. Old 

 plants cut back should be stimulated to grow freely. 



Peaches. — Any tendency to premature decay in the 

 leaves of those from which the fruit has been all gathered 

 to be arrested by liberal waterings at the roots and by 

 syringings. 



Pines. — Keep up the temperature from 90° to 95° by 

 day and from 70° to 75° by night, with plenty of moisture 



