BORDER VARIETIES. 
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be claimed for fully eighty per cent, of the recently intro- 
duced varieties. The newer race of plants, in most in- 
stances, stand the winter better than the older kinds. 
This happy state of affairs is largely the result of working 
upon the stock of some of the better early-flowering kinds 
of Continental origin. A careful inspection of a large 
area or bed of early-flowering varieties that have been 
left in their flowering quarters all through the winter, will, 
in the spring, reveal many of their crowns studded with 
sturdy growths, simply waiting for more genial weather 
to encourage them into further development. With such 
material it is an easy matter to perpetuate the different 
varieties, either by cuttings or rooted suckers, or by the 
process of division so familiar to many. 
Stock Plants for Cuttings. — Growers, however, who do 
not wish to wait so long before commencing operations, 
had better adopt a practical and more satisfactory method 
of increasing the supply of cuttings. With new and choice 
sorts, it is in the highest degree essential not to run any 
risks with the plants by leaving them outdoors in the beds 
and borders during the winter season. Not only is there 
the possibility of loss of tender sorts by exposure, but 
much valuable time is lost in the earlier days of the year. 
Of course, small growers need not be anxious to begin so 
early as those who require to raise a big stock of young 
plants, as their needs may be easily satisfied when the more 
genial weather of spring is with us. But, in the case of 
those who wish to procure a plentiful supply of cuttings, 
it is advisable to lift the plants before the hard weather 
sets in. 
Plants, after flowering, should be cut down, and during 
November and December, as opportunity offers, be lifted 
and replanted on the greenhouse bench, as advised for the 
decorative kinds; cold frames may be utilised for the same 
purpose. After lifting the plants, they should be shaken 
free from much of the soddened soil that invariably adheres 
to the roots, otherwise their condition under glass will be 
