32 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



earwigs will otherwise think the pots are put there for their 

 benefit. 



Should the buds look as though they will be too forward 

 after four or five days, take the next forward buds, and do as in 

 the former case ; but be very careful over those that have been 

 taken out of the pots, as with care many will be very useful. 

 Put some wadding round them, and shade or otherwise try and 

 keep them. In selecting the buds, choose always those with 

 little pin-holes in them, as they always make the best blooms. 

 There is one thing putting buds under pots will do — that is, it 

 will make light flowers purer in colour, also tips more distinct ; 

 for instance, Mrs. Gladstone will come nearly white, and such 

 as Mrs. Saunders clear and cleanly tipped. 



As the flowers begin to come out, it will be often necessary 

 to cover with shades, worked on the same system as the boards 

 for potting the buds. This will retard the flowers, and also 

 protect them from damage by sun and drying winds. Take care 

 the flowers are made secure, otherwise they will chafe. By no 

 means let the plant suffer for water, as now it will want plenty ; 

 perhaps a weak stimulant will be required for some sorts. But 

 if the plants have been well looked after in their earlier stages, 

 they will do without it. Stimulants at this period often excite 

 the plants, and cause them to throw out unshapely petals, 

 or perhaps even to cast them all. There will not be much 

 peace for the grower, as the blooms will require constant 

 attention by night and day, or caterpillars and other insects will 

 soon ravage the lot. Take a lantern out at night and there will 

 be seen earwigs and other marauders busily engaged in their 

 destructive work. 



The morning before the show it will be wise to go over the 

 blooms, and if there are any doubtful ones not likely to stand 

 the full time, cut them and put in a cool and dark place 

 without water. By this process many valuable blooms will be 

 saved. Never cut when the blooms are soft, as they shrink up 

 when the sun is out. Cut early in the morning, or late at night, 

 when they are stiff and fresh. It is surprising how they will 

 open after a little shower or heavy dew. 



When cutting have tubes, corks, and boxes all ready, that 

 the flowers can be put right away without much handling, as 

 they do not improve by being pulled about. But it is needless for 



