192 
OPERATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER. 
transferred to the borders, must not be left in the ground later than the middle or 
end of this month, since it is important that they be established in the pots before 
the commencement of wintry weather. In taking them from the soil, they should 
be deprived of a considerable portion of their roots, provided they are not destined 
for large specimens, and planted in comparatively small pots ; ( i . e. the smallest 
that will contain them,) and placed in a shaded place till they have recovered 
themselves sufficiently to be put where they are intended to remain. 
The propagation of half-hardy perennials must likewise be continued with vigour 
during the present month. With Verbenas, it will be better to layer a quantity 
of the shoots by simply burying a part of them in the earth, about an inch or two 
from the extremity, and they will form roots without any further aid. Most 
other kinds should be increased by cuttings, and those already rooted ought to be 
potted, and hardened with all possible expedition. 
Gesneras, Gloxinias, and those tuberous, bulbous, or herbaceous plants which 
naturally lose their stems and leaves about this period, should be encouraged to 
shed them, as soon as they exhibit an inclination to do so, by a gradual decrease 
in their supplies of water. Many kinds, if stimulated incessantly, will retain 
their foliage, or produce new, and by this means will be prevented from flowering 
next year ; so that it is important to observe when it will be prudent to suspend 
their fluid nourishment, which will usually be a short time after the flowers have 
fallen. 
Pelargoniums, which have been cut down, repotted, and have made their new 
developments, should now be hardened, and their growth matured to the greatest 
possible extent. They may be best kept in frames, the lights of which can be 
removed when the weather is not wet or foggy. Cacti, too, should at once be 
taken from the hotbed frames where they have or ought to have been placed during 
summer, and set in a dry greenhouse, or a house of a similar temperature which is 
devoted entirely to them. They should be watered sparingly, and many sorts, 
such as the species of Opuntia , some kinds of Cereus , and most of the Epiphylla, 
wfill flower stronger, or have their flowering propensities sooner elicited, by 
exposure in fine weather. 
Seeds must still be collected with the greatest vigilance and care ; annuals may 
be sown for spring- flowering ; shrubs, bulbs, &c., intended for forcing, should be 
got in readiness towards the close of the month ; all plants in pots which are 
unhealthy from stagnant water and improper drainage are forthwith to be shifted, 
that they may be re-established by the arrival of winter; budding may yet be 
effected, if it has hitherto been deferred ; biennials can be sown in the reserve- 
garden ; the shading should be removed from the Orchidaceous-house ; dead or 
dying annuals should be cleared away from the flower-borders ; and propagation 
may be carried on wherever requisite, though it is not a fit time for that operation, 
save in cases of necessity. 
