division every tliree years or so is calculated to ensure the best com- 
bined results of \-igour and increase without the risk of deterioration 
eventually. It will, however, of necessity var>- with soils and other 
local conditions, also varieties. 
Regarding spring or autumn di\'i5ion of the plants, we say un- 
hesitatingly that spring is unquestionably the best tinu, taking the work 
in hand when new growth is 3 inches to 4 inches long, since it is at 
that time also that root acti\-ity starts anew and enables the plant 
early to regain its grip upon the soil. That being the best time for 
division, it follows, naturally, that spring is also the best time for trans- 
planting, and for the same reason. The Delphinium is, however, so 
hardy and accommodating that no harm ensues from early autumn 
planting, September and October being good for the work. Done at 
this time and the earUer the better, the plants have a chance of rooting 
afresh before colder times arrive; whereas, if late planted, few new 
root fibres are formed before spring, particularly in the hea\ier classes 
of soils. In aU planting we studiously keep the crowns of the plants 
2 inches to 3 inches below the ground, where they are safe from the 
attacks of the slug. 
As to degeneration, where a two year old or three year old seedling 
of earher promise shows that it is lacking in constitution, the only way 
is to discard it, since, without that good garden attribute, constitution, 
it would be useless wasting time upon it. As to the cause of disease, 
it is not easy to say. Inherent weakness, through constant inter- 
breeding, and the growing of the plants continuously within the limits 
of one set of conditions might in any case prove to be predisposing 
causes, while not all the varieties of any group would, be alike robust 
or capable of resisting disease. In this connection, too, doubtless 
the introduction of new variedes of known \-igour and consritution 
and the exclusive use only of such sorts in the raising of new varieties 
might abo prove helpful. Not a few of the finest modem Delphiniums 
have stunted or imperfectly finished spikes, the aforetime spire-hke, 
attenuated character with fiowers and buds to the tip being aU but lost, 
Laxer, looser-habited spikes with the fiowers on longer pedicels, so 
that each flower is seen to advantage, would also be far more efiective, 
both in the garden and in the picture, than many we see to-day, 
whose flower beauty is only hah' revealed because of the density of 
their setting upon the columnar spikes which bear them. In these and 
in other ways there is room for much needed improvements and ample 
scope for the raiser. Much more might be said on the subject, while 
attention might weU be directed to the raising of mildew-proof varieties 
of these plants. — E. HL Jexkts'S.] 
I have had the greatest success increasing mv stock of choice 
