288 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



the shoot, as this is very brittle, and will easily snap off, but leave at least 8in. to ioin. free. 

 When the buds have been retained, as previously described, it is important that the growths 

 be kept in an upright position, as this materially assists in their even development. Failure to 

 observe this small detail may result in many blooms opening irregularly. Watch the tying of 

 the shoots particularly during August and September, boisterous winds often giving trouble at 

 this period. 



Green and black' flies are sometimes troublesome, but they may be exterminated by dusting 

 with tobacco powder. Earwigs at all times, particularly during the summer and early autumn, 

 are a source of trouble, eating out the points of the tender shoots, often, too, just w hen the buds 

 are about to form. These pests may be trapped in various ways. Hay or paper put into a 

 small pot, which should be placed in an inverted position on the top of the stakes, may reward 

 the grower with a rich haul in the mornings. Short bean stalks and match boxes, in fact 

 anything in which the earwigs can secrete themselves when daylight appears, answer well. 

 Caterpillars, too, often cause anxiety, and must be carefully looked for, those of a green colour 

 frequently escaping observation. 



HOUSING THE PLANTS. — The plants should be placed in the glass structures, which 

 should previously have been cleaned and sweetened for their reception, by the end of September 

 in low-lying districts, and a week' later in high and dry situations, unless the weather before 

 that time indicates the approach of frost. If before these dates any of the buds are very early, 

 and show colour, place the plants under glass, and shade lightly. Adopt a system of 

 arrangement indoors by making one large group of plants, with the tallest ones at the back', 



sloping down to the shortest 

 in front in lean-to houses, and 

 in the case of span-roofed 

 glass structures arrange a 

 group iii the centre, with a 

 path running round it, and 

 arrange those plants of a 

 medium height, and also the 

 shortest ones, round the sides 

 of these glasshouses. In this 

 way the display is at all times 

 easily seen, and the visits 

 each day become more 

 interesting. Do not over- 

 crowd the plants, but give 

 each ample room to open its 

 blossoms without interfering 

 with the one next to it. 

 When the plants are too 

 crowded, the question of 

 watering becomes a serious 

 matter. At the time of hous- 

 ing, any plants affected with 

 mildew should be dusted with 

 flowers of sulphur, especially 

 the under-sides, and old and 

 seared leaves removed at the 

 same time. Weeds also should 

 be removed from the surface 

 Kathleen rogers of the soil, on which dust 



