62 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
flowers removed at once, unless seed is required, then they 
will produce a second crop of blooms. Violas and Pansies 
will iflower more continuously and freely if all the flowers 
are removed once in two or three weeks to give the plants 
a rest. Many plants require stakes to support their 
shoots. A good and simple method is to insert a stout 
stake in the centre of the plant, and then to loop the 
shoots, say, three or four shoots to each loop, loosely to 
the stake by means of tar or other twine. Bear in mind 
to do this in such a manner that the natural beauty of 
contour of the plant is preserved. In autumn cut down 
to the soil all herbaceous stems that have ceased flower- 
ing, and then mulch the borders with decayed manure and 
apply also the artificials advised in this section. In spring, 
when new growth begins, lightly fork over the surface 
of the border. 
THE ART OF PROPAGATION. 
The methods of propagating each genus of trees, shrubs 
and plants are described in connection therewith, and here, 
therefore, we have only to deal with tihe general principles. 
Flower garden plants, trees and shrubs are increased by 
seeds, cuttings, layering, division, 'budding, and grafting. 
By Seeds. — With regard to seeds, those of hardy 
kinds, like hardy annuals, biennials, perennials, and many 
trees and shrubs, may be sown in a shady or partially 
shaded spot, in the open garden in spring or summer. 
April is a good month for general sowing. Seeds of 
annuals may be sown in patches or lines where required 
to grow or flower, but those of biennials and perennials 
should be sown in shallow drills 6in. apart. As regards 
depth for sowing, very fine seeds merely require to be 
very slightly covered by fine soil ; those double the size 
by about one-eighth of an inch of soil ; and larger seeds, 
