192 
OPERATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER. 
disappointment in the case of early frost, cuttings of Verbenas and other tender plants must( 
be prepared forthwith, if a sufficiency is not already obtained ; they will strike root rapidly in 
a gentle bottom-heat, and may either be potted out separately, or suffered to remain till spring in j 
the cutting-pot. 
In addition to these, there is yet another point demanding immediate regard, inasmuch as 
upon it the distribution of plants another summer, and their pleasing and effective arrangement 
must, in a great measure, be dependent. This is to see that each plant has its correct name 
attached to it, and to note its characteristics that there may be no hesitation touching the effects 
it will produce in the place that may be assigned to it. With Dahlias and other florist’s flowers 
that have few obvious distinctions, save those in the colour and form of their flowers, there is a 
manifest cogency in this recommendation. 
Every favourable opportunity should be seized on to gather the ripened seeds of annuals and 
biennials : sunny days, when they are quite dry, should be selected. But, though a provident 
care in collecting seeds is always commendable, yet the production of well-matured seeds must 
not be suffered to interfere with the beauty of the pleasure-ground, by leaving beds littered with 
dying stems of plants that have ceased to flower and are destitute of ornament. It is more 
suitable to reserve a few plants for this purpose in some retired part of the ground, or in a border 
of the kitchen-garden. An exception may be occasionally admitted in favour of some scarce or 
accidentally improved variety. 
The extensive influx of greenhouse occupants will render the utmost ventilation consistent 
with preservation from injurious influences, such as frost, wind, and rain, of the more importance. 
The sashes may still be left open during the night, in mild weather. All the light which can be 
commanded may be suffered to act upon them the better to accomplish that maturity and partial 
desiccation, so desirable, before the cold, dark days of winter arrive. The supply of fluid to the 
soil in diminished quantity to all plants that have abated in the vigour of their growth, will also 
be of material advantage in promoting this desirable condition. Most Gesneraceous and other 
tuberous and bulbous-rooted plants that have flowered, may now be dried off, and removed to 
some shelf, where they will require little further tendance till they begin to grow. 
The daily increase in the decay of leaves, as they gradually acquire maturity, and having 
performed their particular functions in vegetable economy, are no longer either ornamental or 
useful, will be a source of extra employment ; and as the speedy removal will be favourable both' 
in respect of neatness and utility, it ought to be a point of daily inspection. 
Much of the success and beauty of Orchidaceous plants in a succeeding season, as well as the 
amount of trouble and expense attending them during the coming winter, will be dependent on 
the treatment they receive in this and the next month. A state of torpidity is that which is now 
required to be promoted to the fullest extent in the greater number of species ; but as it will be 
equally injudicious to push this prematurely, as to endeavour to protract the season of growth 
beyond its proper limits by the continuation of stimulating means, it will be requisite to examine 
the state of the plants, and consider the weather that occurs to qualify any directions that may 
be given for their management. Ordinarily a much less degree of shade will be appropriate 
than has hitherto been employed, and the humidity of the atmosphere must be reduced both 
by lessening the amount of water spread on the floors and on the plants, and by an increase 
of ventilation. 
If any alterations or repairs are necessary in the heating apparatus attached to plant structures, 
they ought to be forwarded immediately ; and it will be advisable to subject all to a narrow 
inspection, that nothing may interfere with the celerity so frequently required in bringing them 
into operation when sudden depressions of temperature occur during the winter. 
Cleanliness cannot be too rigidly enforced, both in those parts immediately exposed to view, 
and also in less conspicuous places, as it eventually proves economical in preventing the accumu- 
lation of insects. A single hour’s attention to this point may save a week’s labour, besides 
avoiding the injury done to the vigour and beauty of the plants. 
A few showy Annuals may be sown in pots, to flower early in the greenhouse ; and some ol 
the more hardy species in the flower-garden, to stand through the winter and produce an early 
bloom in spring. Continue to tie up to stakes all plants in the pleasure-ground that are exposed 
to strong winds. Towards the end of the month, a few Hyacinths may be potted, or placed in 
bulb- glasses filled with water. Shrubs may be transplanted any time after the middle of the 
month, if the wood be at all matured, and the weather prove moist. 
I 
