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OPERATIONS FOR AUGUST. 
In the open flower-garden insects may perhaps become very prevalent ; several species of 
saw-flies appear in their perfect state this month, and lay their eggs upon rose-trees ; the larvse do 
much damage to both leaves and wood. It is advisable to gather the cocoons and destroy them, 
but this must be done early in the month. The most destructive kinds are, Hylotoma pilicornis 
and rosce, Bmphytus fasciatus, and Lyda hortulana. Amongst moths also, several appear on the 
wing during this month, which in spring attack rose-buds and leaves ; the caterpillars of 
Lozotcenia rosana may be collected now before they go into a pupae state. Search for the cocoons 
of Lozotcenia operand and kevigana, Argyrotoza Bergmanniana and Spilonota cynostabella, before 
they become changed to perfect insects. Sow Stocks and Mignonette for winter flowering, not 
later than the middle of the month ; the best soil for the purpose is composed of three parts light 
sandy loam, and one part very rotten dung. If a sufficient quantity of China rose-cuttings are 
not struck, put in as many as will be required, without delay, that they may have time to grow 
before winter. All blanks in flower-beds should be filled up without delay. If the days are 
bright and dry, watering will be necessary : attend to everything that will encourage growth as 
much as possible, as the season of vigour is fast passing away. Cut away dead flowers before they 
form their seed-pods, unless seed is an object ; the flowering season is much prolonged by these 
means, and a splendid show may be reckoned upon throughout this month and September. 
Upright plants should be securely tied to stakes, as otherwise they are liable to have their heavy 
tops broken by winds. Mow, and keep everything as neat and clean as possible. If it is desirable 
to remove large evergreens to any particular position during the coming autumn, now is the best 
time to prepare for it, by digging a deep trench round the roots, at a sufficient distance from the 
stem to allow of a good ball. After this is dug out, and the straggling roots cut, the trench may 
be refilled until the time of planting ; young rootlets will, by this means, be formed, which will 
greatly facilitate the plant's growth after its removal. 
In frames and pits nothing is required but to keep the plants clean, and well supplied with 
water. Air in abundance will be very beneficial to all the young stock, and the more they are 
exposed to it, the better, when the weather is dry and fine. 
In the Greenhouse and Conservatory carefully attend to watering, especially such plants as are 
in exposed places, and keep a healthy atmosphere ; much of the show in autumn and following 
spring, depends upon the kind of management the plants receive now. Pelargoniums and 
Fuchsias which are intended to come into flower in September and October, should be well 
attended to now with every requisite of growth ; the flowers of the former should be carefully 
picked off as soon as the buds appear, and the shoots of the latter should be frequently stopped to 
induce the growth of laterals and form the heads bushy ; by these means the flowering season will 
be considerably delayed. If the weather should prove wet and unsettled any time this month, it 
would be advisable to take into the greenhouse again all the tender rooted kinds, otherwise they 
might become damaged, and all the previous good cultivation be lost. Trim off all flowers as soon 
as they fade ; train, stop, and prune, so as to induce a low spreading growth. Give good ventila- 
tion, and keep every part of the houses free from dead leaves, and as clean as possible, and the 
healthy state of the plants will repay for all the trouble. 
In the Orchid House less shade, generally speaking, will be required about the end of the 
month by the growing plants, unless the weather be very bright. Keep a very humid atmosphere, 
and air may be freely admitted. Those kinds which have finished their early growth, should have 
less moisture and more exposure to the light, that the shoots and bulbs may become mature for 
the season of rest. 
In the common plant-stove ventilation, a moist atmosphere, watering, syringing occasionally, 
potting any that require it, and top-dressing, are the chief requirements to secure all that is 
desirable. 
