286 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



INCURVED. 



Unless the weather is 



this shift may not he out of place. Plants in pots 6in. in diameter 

 should be repotted into those c^in. across, and those in 5 in . pots into 

 others of 8¥m. size. Pes vary considerably; one may differ to 

 the extent of 'in. from another, and on this account the measure- 

 ments must be taken somewhat approximately. Place the drainage 

 in with increasing care, covering the crock's with a layer of .lin. 

 bones, and, as before, w ith the rougher part of the compost or turfy 

 loam. When shaking out the plants from their smaller pots, observe 

 the greatest care, removing the crocks and settling the base of the 

 ball of soil on a layer of new material. The surface of the ball of 

 soil should be quite 1 Jin. below the rim of the new pot, and if this 

 does not seem possible, reduce the soil in the bottom of the pot 

 accordingly. Fill in all round gradually, ramming the compost with a 

 wedge-shaped stick 15m. in length. Finish off neatly, taking care 

 not to ram the surface of the old ball of soil, or serious injury may 

 ensue. Label each plant when finished, and stand them on ashes in 

 blocks about four deep, as in this way they may be easily examined, 

 very warm no water will be needed for some hours, but when this is given the plants 

 should have a thorough soaking. When they arc progressing, a neat stake should be 

 placed in the soil, and the main stem lightly but securely tied to this. All is then ready 

 for placing them in the rows, and that the plants may make an agreeable display, even 

 when growing, arrange them in older of height. By f< llowing this rule, overshadowing is 

 avoided. There should be a distance between each plant of 15m. or more, and this will 

 leave sufficient room to tie out the growths later. For some time the watering must be 

 done with care, and only given when the soil is dry, its condition being ascertained by 

 rapping the plant with the knuckles or some substitute. When a ringing response is 

 given out water may be applied, a dull scund or thud denoting moist soil. No regular 

 period for watering, therefore, can be laid down. On the afternoons of hot days the 

 plants derive considerable benefit by a thorough syringing overhead with clear water. 



LIQUID MANURES. — Feeding is the next consideration, 

 but plant foods, in the form of liquid manure, must not be 

 applied until the pots are full of roots and the more easily 

 assimilated foods in the potting compost used up. When 

 this has taken place, soot water mav be first applied, and 

 prepared by placing a bushel of soot in a sack and soaking 

 this for a few days in 100 gallons of water. Water on 

 alternate days with this preparation at first, and afterwards 

 every week' or ten days regularly, until animal or patent manures 

 may be used in its place. Sheep manure and that from 

 tlie stable and c©w sheds, placed in a bag and treated simi- 

 larly, are each safe and reliable. A week each of the last- 

 mentioned manures forms a welcome change, which appears 

 to be relished by the plants. There are many guanos and 

 patent manures, each of which has its good qualities, and 

 these may be used occasionally with advantage, and in 

 accordance with instructions accompanying the supplies. 

 Nitrate of soda is a splendid stimulant during the growing period, but should never be 

 applied at a greater rate than half an ounce to a gallon of clear water, and the same may 

 be said regarding sulphate of ammonia, which is slower in action, and is useful to hurry on 

 the buds later, adding colour also to the flowers. Feeding wdth liquid manures may be carried 

 on thi"<ui2hout the summer and autumn, and until the flowers are about one-third 



JAPANESE INCURVED. 



