LARGE BLOOMS 27 
tember, exhibitors do not like to plant until July first, 
in order to have their blooms come along at exactly the 
right time. Inquiry of local growers will secure in- 
formation as to the best planting time for exhibition 
purposes. Place the tubers three, four or five feet 
apart, according to the space you have. Five 
feet each way is preferable, if you can manage it. 
Enjoyment in cultivation, as well as generous light, air, 
and plant food supplies are all secured by the v/ider 
spacing. For exhibition blooms only one stalk is al- 
lowed each position, and you commence tying to stakes 
when a foot or less of growth has been made. No 
plant is allowed more than ten branches, or more than 
three or four flowers in bud or bloom at a time. 
One experienced exhibitor, who only grows ex- 
hibition blooms, and no other sorts, does not allow 
branches to form nearer than a foot to the ground, in 
order to have freest possible air circulation, and perfect 
cultivation of the soil. This is not a good practice 
except for exhibition blooms, for low growing foliage 
keeps the ground cooler and moister. As the grower of 
show flowers "sits up nights" with his pets no harm is 
done. 
Flower buds will sometimes appear in July upon 
these specially grown plants, and should be removed 
at once. The first buds usually produce inferior 
flowers, besides drawing upon the vigor of the plant 
too soon. Many experts use sheep manure every other 
