168 
OPERATIONS FOR AUGUST. 
tinually plucked off, and as the plants become shabby and exhausted, they must be superseded by 
suitable ones, from the reserve and succession store. 
In the plant-houses, and among* pot plants generally, the chief business is to favour each plant, 
as it ceases to grow, with a situation where it can gradually but effectually become matured and 
hardened. In miscellaneous collections this becomes rather a difficulty, but not so great a one as 
at first sight appears. It is necessary, as far as possible, to have those plants which are growing 
separated from those which are ceasing to do so, and it should be the aim to have as few growing 
as possible. A close cold pit affords fine accommodation for the latter, in clear sunny weather ; 
such a receptacle devoted to the smaller greenhouse plants which may be growing, and as well 
those from the stove, various Cacti, &c, much would be done towards permitting the inmates of 
the principal houses to be favoured with the full volume of light, and the admission of all air, it 
may be both night and day. To such plants as are still making active growth, warmth, moisture, 
shade, &c. must still be insured. Beyond not using any more water than plants necessarily 
require on their own account, it is very advisable to throw as little as possible about houses, that 
they may have an opportunity of becoming quite dry before winter. And further, it is an 
excellent plan to employ soon enough a little fire heat, to get the flues and houses dry while there 
is sun, and while air can be admitted to aid in doing so more effectually. The same principle of 
proceeding should be extended to all permanent erections, which are meant to hold plants through 
the winter, however rude their nature. It may be effected in cold pits, and other less effectual 
protecting receptacles, by simply keeping them closed, and sheltering them as much as is con- 
venient from wet. 
The Orchidacew require minutely regarding ; very many specimens will bear removing to the 
comparatively dry stove, others to the greenhouse, &c, until the chilly and moist weather of 
autumn sets in. Shade and moisture must begin to be gradually but sensibly withdrawn from the 
general collection, and water more sparingly administered. The large-leaved Oncidiums and all 
the more succulent genera and species must be very cautiously watered. Stanhopeas may have a 
good supply of moisture, and they will be greatly benefited by bottom-heat, as soon as they begin 
and as they continue to grow. Flowering plants among this tribe, and indeed in any of the collec- 
tions, should be displayed to as great advantage as possible, and every means taken to preserve 
their bloom. Japan Lilies ought to have every encouragement, by being bountifully supplied with 
water, afforded abundance of room, &c. Climbers inhabiting and trained to the rafters of conser- 
vatories, or other erections, and occupying any position, should now almost be left to grow as and 
where they like, at least all the shoots except the leading ones may, after they begin to produce 
their flowers. 
All late-flowering plants may be treated so as to render them vigorous, and they should be 
encouraged to grow bushy, by pinching off the tops of their shoots ; this more particularly applies 
to Chrysanthemums, annuals, &c. ; the former, though, must be carefully dealt with in this respect, 
as it is getting late to perform the operation upon them. Plants intended for early forcing should 
be induced to complete and mature their growth without delay, that they may have a period of 
rest. Carnations may still be layered, as also the strong kinds of Pinks. Early layers of the 
former will be fit to take up and pot ; too much care cannot be taken not to pot them in rich 
soil, as their ultimate usefulness is very much impaired if they become luxuriant through the 
winter. Struck Pink pipings may be potted or planted in beds. 
Persevere in eradicating all weeds, and keeping everything in the best possible trim. 
