PINCHING THE SHOOTS 83 
During the summer the beds receive three or four 
waterings with liquid manure, which is either drainings 
from stables or from cesspits. It is also a common practice 
to top-dress the beds, soon after the plants are set out, with 
malt sprouts from the breweries. This is believed to be an 
excellent stimulant for Azaleas, but when used extravagantly 
it often gives rise to canker. The plants are lifted from 
the beds in October, and placed so close together that the 
tops touch each other on stages close to the glass in low 
houses, leaf-soil being put about their roots ; they remain 
there until May, when they are again planted out. This 
round of treatment is repeated annually as long as the plants 
are in the nursery. Most of them are disposed of when 
they are three years old from the date of grafting. 
The pinching of the shoots to compel the plants to form 
good heads requires to be done by an experienced grower. 
The shoots are never allowed tp grow more than about 
3 inches, or 6 leaves long '' as it is reckoned. Pinching 
is done in summer whilst growth is active. During the 
winter the plants are examined, and the shoots regulated by 
tying or pruning to get a well-formed head. The houses 
or frames in which the plants are wintered are kept cool 
and airy, and in frosty weather a temperature just above 
freezing-point is maintained. Azaleas rarely require to be 
watered in winter. The roots are so fibrous, and they 
form, with the leaf-mould, such a close mat or ball, 
that there is no danger of injury from transplanting ; 
consequently they are not potted until they reach the 
purchaser. 
A few varieties are raised from cuttings, and the plants 
are sold when they are small. These are Charles Enke, 
Mde. de Cruyssen, Louise Marie, and Hexe. 
