HOLLYHOCKS. 
25 
that it formed one of the features at exhibitions about 
40 years ago. The Hollyhock has been improved to 
such an extent that there is practically no resemblance 
between the blossoms of the wild type, and those that 
have been evolved by selection and cultivation. Both 
single and double varieties when grown in bold masses 
in the garden are highly attractive and remain in 
blossom from July to October. 
Hollyhocks flourish in a well-drained garden soil 
which has been deeply dug and well manured. Cold, 
wet, and heavy soils should be avoided. 
The best time to plant is about the end of March. 
During the summer months it is essential to keep the 
roots well supplied with moisture, either by watering, 
or with a mulching of well-decayed manure. Although 
sturdy plants will send their flower stems up to a 
height of 8 or 10 feet without a stake, it is neverthe- 
less advisable to provide each plant with a stout sup- 
port to which the stems may be tied. They will thus 
be able to resist strong winds. By cutting off the 
extreme top of the flower stems, the blossoms retained 
will develop more evenly and become larger, finer, 
and better coloured. When the flowering period is 
over, the stems may be cut down about 6 inches above 
the ground, and the soil may be drawn up into a little 
mound so as to throw off the winter rains. 
Hollyhocks are easily increased by means of seeds 
sown in April or May ; by cuttings of the sturdy non- 
flowering shoots from the sides and base of the stems 
during the summer months ; and by carefully dividing 
the rootstocks with a strong sharp knife as soon as 
flowering is over. The cuttings should be inserted in 
