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OPERATIONS FOR JULY. 
At no period of the year probably is there so much business of a strictly routine character as 
in this month. If we notice the Conservatory ', there it is necessary to repeat nearly the same 
operations every day. Watering, maintaining a clearance of dying and dead flowers, and training 
climbing and other plants which have a permanent position in the erection, are amongst the daily 
and chief business of the season. Many specimens here will doubtless be benefited by the applica- 
tion of liquid manure, but this must always be supplied with caution and judgment ; weak solutions 
frequently repeated are always preferable, even in the cases of those plants which will admit of 
powerful stimulation, being a far safer mode of administering it than giving strong doses at once. 
AH persons engaged in training climbers should bear in mind that upon their tasteful disposal at 
this time depends the charm and graceful beauty of their appearance hereafter. Most greenhouses 
and conservatories are more or less dependent for their summer display on such plants as Fuchsias, 
Cinerarias, and choice annuals ; these therefore must have a due share of attention, and if possible 
not be allowed to bloom until they are required in the situations they are intended to occupy. 
In the Orchid-house and stove, any plants whose growth is completed must be favoured with a 
lower temperature, more congenial to their condition, and so be gradually allowed to sink into a state 
of rest. A considerable diminution in the amount of shading, water, and other aids to growth 
which were required up to this period, may now take place. Of course this direction is not of 
universal application, because there are few collections indeed in which, at all seasons, some plants 
will not be in a growing state ; such must continue to be favoured with those conditions which 
conduce to the development of their respective growths. Many of the finest Orchids bloom at this 
season, and must accordingly be well looked after, that their inflorescence sustain no injury before 
being fully developed. 
Whatever greenhouse or any other plants are maturing their growth, they should be exposed 
to all the air that can be safely admitted to them. Greenhouse plants still vigorously growing may 
have their shoots shortened if it is desirable to have very bushy plants ; cleanliness, too, is very 
important. 
Cold pits, which can be closed with glazed lights, are very suitable erections for bringing 
forward a large class of small plants designed for the greenhouse. Most young seedlings of green- 
house plants or small soft-wooded species, as Fuchsias, Calceolarias, &c, and annuals also, fare much 
better in pits, or in a common frame, if they can be placed near the glass, and receive the proper 
atmosphere suitable for their prosperity ; indeed, plants may remain in these simple structures 
until brought beautifully and perfectly into flower, quite fit to remove to the drawing-room, 
conservatory, or greenhouse. 
Propagation by budding, layering, and cuttings must have its due share of attention in every 
department. In a general way there is seldom anything lost, but much gained by beginning to 
propagate early. Inexperienced hands and amateurs have a double advantage ; by commencing 
as soon as circumstances will permit, they gain experience and have time to make repeated trials 
in case of failure. 
Potting and repotting may still be carried on, but it will be well to have an eye to the progress 
of the season, and make root provision for plants accordingly. 
Collecting seeds and taking up bulbs must not be neglected, the former especially, as many 
choice early flowering plants, and those from which new varieties are raised, ripen now. Piping 
of Pinks, layering Carnations and Picotees, must also now have proper attention. The flowers of 
the two latter should be well looked to, thinned, and properly tied up. 
In the flower garden the main business is keeping everything in the best possible order. 
Flowering plants of all descriptions will require regularly tying to suitable supports, or otherwise 
securing, and a great amount of routine work which need not be specified will require constant 
attention. 
