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THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA 
full of the coarser soil, and the remainder can be filled 
with the fine soil, which should be pressed moderately 
firm and level. Water with rose on pot and then sow 
fairly thick, afterwards covering seed lightly ; then place 
a piece of glass on top to prevent evaporation, and cover 
with paper, as seeds germinate better in the dark. Keep 
a sharp eye on them each day, and as seedlings appear 
gradually turn to the light. When second leaves have 
formed transplant two inches apart, in flats about three 
inches in depth and place in cold frames to harden off 
until planting time. Do not allow any manure to come in 
contact with them at this primary stage or evil results 
will occur later on. They thrive best in an open position 
in any good garden soil that has been deeply dug the 
previous year. 
Give the soil a dressing of wood ashes and work it 
well into same at planting time, also a sprinkling of 
bone meal ; this is much better than animal manures 
for Asters. Plant out, making holes for their recep- 
tion with a trowel. Plant one foot apart in rows and 
eighteen inches between rows. I usually grow for cut- 
ting purposes beds of six feet wide, and plant four 
rows in this given space. They must be planted firmly 
and the surrounding soil must be lightly cultivated 
and kept free from weeds. The trouble most people ex- 
perience with Asters are these : stem rot, yellows and 
beetles. Last year I grew 20,000 plants and ploughed 
up a piece of sod land infested with grubs. I took extra 
pains, knowing what to expect ; I watered the soil every 
week with a solution of Vermine to keep the grubs away. 
The beetle I took in hand by not allowing it any play, 
and I sprayed each week with Aphine. The yellows is a 
fungus disease. I used Fungine every two weeks as I 
invariably do with roses, and did not lose one per cent. 
I was rewarded for all my trouble and extra attention 
with plants two to three feet high and averaging 36 
blooms on each plant. My neighboring gardeners asked 
me how I did it and I told them. Many people journeyed 
miles to see them. All the food given was a little Bon 
Arbor once in three weeks and a little bone meal. 
Chrysanthemums are invaluable and are now to be had 
from several expert firms who advertise in the 
Chronicle, and who will give a suitable list of outdoor 
'mums that will bloom from August until frost, riant 
out in good soil from three or four-inch pots, two feet 
each way, in May, and pinch the first two growths and 
good, husky plants will follow and tie up to stakes as they 
grow. Black fly will appear, and Aphine will kill it. 
A little cow manure liquid will help them to develop good 
blooms. They can be stored in frames during winter. 
Gladioli are another strong feature and are invaluable. 
Bulbs can be planted from April until June for a succes- 
sion. Plant four inches deep, six inches apart, in rich 
soil, in an open position ; feed liberally when the growth 
is advanced, and secure each plant to a stake. When 
stems are partly developed with flowers they should be 
cut and placed in jars of water to develop to their high- 
est perfection. 
Sweet Pea culture is well known, and they have become 
indispensable for summer floral decorations. The culture 
is simple. Plough or, dig the ground deeply in the fall. 
Procure good seed, if fine blooms and long stems are 
wanted. Put three seeds in a three-inch pot and start in 
a cool house March 1 ; when developed about three inches 
high thin out the two weaker and retain the strong plant. 
Plant six inches apart and put brush or wire netting for 
the plants to cling to and give plenty of water. Pick off 
all flowers daily and shade with canvas during the hot 
portions of the day. 
Stocks can be grown the same way as Asters, but al- 
ways remember to cut off the long roots and you will 
avoid club root often. 
Cosmos are being improved annually. One or more 
firms are devoting considerable time to their improve- 
ment, and they have developed a type of bold, large flow- 
ers that are very useful. In early fall sow seed in flats 
and transplant into three-inch pots; plant out May 20 
three feet apart, and give a stout stake to each one, and 
plenty of water and liquid manure and they will thrive 
wonderfully. 
Dahlias are particularly useful, coming in to blossom in 
the early fall, when the other flowers are on the wane. 
They succeed best in partial shade ; at least, this is my own 
experience. If flowers are wanted in quantity, full grown 
roots are to be preferred, but if for exhibition or large 
blooms, young plants from three or four-inch pots, with 
single stems, are best. Plant out when danger from 
frost is past, as five degrees will injure them. Plant four 
feet each way in rich soil. A bud will form and cause 
a break from which three leaders will usually appear. 
Take one off and tie the others out to stakes ; others will 
follow, and must be handled with judgment ; quality of 
bloom will depend on the number grown. The sub- 
laterals must be cut out as the growths advance ; also 
disbudding must be attended to. Feed liberally with cow 
manure liquid and a little soot, when in bud, will help 
to intensify the color. Cultivate the surface of the soil, 
keeping a sharp lookout for nematodes, and, if they 
appear, apply previously advised remedies. 
Pansies are useful for spring and summer. If wanted 
to flower in the latter time, however, cuttings should be 
taken in September and placed in frames during the 
winter and planted out in May in rich soil, comprising 
clay and rotted cow manure. They will thrive well under 
the shade of trees and are good subjects for a carriage 
drive where no other flowers will live long. 
Antirhinums and most annuals can be grown easilv for 
cut flower purposes by sowing outdoors about May 20 in 
beds or borders ; rows one foot six inches apart, and 
thinned out as they grow and given plenty of water in 
hot weather they will do splendid. 
Paeonies are useful plants. They are of noble appear- 
ance and can be planted and left undisturbed for years, 
and give a wealth of blooms. 
Poppies are useful and can be sown in any part of 
the garden, and dislike being disturbed. Thev give a 
mass of blooms. 
Tuberous Begonias are not useful for cut flowers, but 
have their place, and every well ordered garden should 
devote a corner to their culture. Start them in flats con- 
taining leafsoil and moss, and plant out in a shady posi- 
tion. Give plentv of water and they will give great pleas- 
ure and satisfaction to the lovers of nature's handiwork 
until Jack Frost appears. 
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will hereafter be published in the 
January, April, July and 
October numbers only 
