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I 
GARDEN HINTS FOE AMATEUKS. 
and also against rain. Diminish gradually the supply of water, more especially to those hard-wooded 
varieties which have matured their growth ; but never allow a plant to feel the want of water at any 
time, except in cases, — as among succulent plants, — where complete starvation is necessary to ensure the 
setting of the bloom. Lose no time in getting the bulbs potted, if not already done, and arrange in 
their winter quarters the Roses and other plants intended for forcing. Few things are more useful 
for this purpose than Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other American plants ; and it is necessary to pot 
them early, so that they may draw a little root in the pots before forcing commences. Weigela rosea, 
Forsythia viridissima, and Spira?a prunifolia flore-pleno, are all good useful plants, and, if properly 
ripened, force beautifully ; but unquestionably Deutzia gracilis (figured in a preceding page) will be 
one of our greatest acquisitions for the forcing-house. The plants in the conservatory borders may 
possibly require another soaking of water ; but that will be the last for the season. Should wet 
weather send the men in-doors, do not forget that Orange-trees and Camellias always pay for careful 
washing. 
In the Flower Garden, any plants which it is intended to preserve through the winter, as the 
Scarlet and Variegated Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, and the like, it will be well to get potted at 
once ; and if you can aid them, for a fortnight or three weeks afterwards, with a gentle bottom-heat, 
they will amply repay you for the trouble, as it enables them to form root much sooner, and hence to 
become strong before the dull season sets in. The young propagated stock should also be under cover ; 
but keep it as hardy as possible, as thus it will be better able to resist the cold of a long dull winter. 
Verbenas, especially such kinds as Shylock, Mrs. Mills, and other tender varieties, should be carefully 
looked to, as should also the more delicate of the variegated Pelargoniums. The old Pink Ivy-leaved 
Pelargonium is becoming a general favourite ; and though of delicate growth, when properly managed 
and planted rather thickly, it forms a splendid mass. Mixed with Lobelia gracilis or ramosa, in the 
same bed, the dark flowers of the latter being allowed to lay among the variegated foliage, it forms a 
splendid mass ; and by the same rule, we have no doubt Nicrembergia gracilis or filicaulis, planted 
with the small scarlet Harkaway Pelargonium, would be equally beautiful. The shot silk of Verbena 
venosa, and the common variegated Pelargonium, has frequently been adverted to. Robinson's 
Defiance Verbena, mixed in the same way, is much to be admired. The system of strong contrasts is 
likely to come into general repute, and hence it will be wise to provide in time. The grouping system 
of flower-gardening, to maintain its interest, must have change; and this may be effected either by 
mixed and contrasted beds, or changing the form of the garden occasionally. We are advocates for 
changing the form of the garden, as affording a greater contrast than can be got in any other way. 
"Where alterations are to be made, no time should be lost in proceeding with them ; neither should the 
planting or alterations of shrubberies be delayed. This is a good time to propagate perpetual roses 
by cuttings. The wood is now nicely ripened ; and if judiciously treated, the cuttings will form roots 
very quickly, and, with liberal treatment, be nice plants for bedding out next spring. We know 
nothing more interesting at this season than a good collection of perpetual roses; they arc sweet, and 
very pretty, and for cutting a few plants afford a quantity of flowers. 
Among Florists' Flowers, the Chysanthemum is the only thing likely to cheer us for the remainder 
of the year, and they will require particular attention as to watering, thinning the flower buds, and 
protection from frost. To grow flowers to the width of four to six inches, and proportionately strong, 
is not unusual in the suburbs of London, but then only one flower is allowed upon a plant. As the 
connecting link between the last Rose of autumn and the Camellias of our conservatories, the Chry- 
santhemum is deserving of special care, and if managed on the layering system, which we have 
before explained, the}' are really very little trouble. Dahlias and Hollyhocks arc still good, but they 
cannot remain so much longer ; when cut by the frost, the former ma)- be taken up, dried, and stowed 
away, and the branches of the latter may be taken for cuttings. Lose no time, if the bed is in order, 
in getting the Tulips planted, and finish the bedding out of Pinks and Pansics, unless you follow the 
modern practice of keeping them in pots. Auriculas and Polyanthuses arc of course in their winter 
quarters; take care to give them plenty of air, but avoid water over the foliage. Layers of Carnations 
and Ficotees may be taken off and potted, or bedded out where there is superfluous stock. Give plenty 
of air, and avoid nursing them too much, as we are quite sure it does more harm than good. 
In the Fruit Garden proceed with harvesting the crop as the various kinds are fit to gather, but 
if tlie weather remains mild do not be in too great haste, unless the fruit is quite ripe. This is a 
capital time to remove fruit trees, and the sooner in the month it is done the better, Proceed with 
pruning directly the leaves arc off. 
The Kitchen Garden crops arc progressing satisfactorily. Do not lose a chance of earthing Celerj 
and the Cauliflower and Brocoli crops. Manure thoroughly, trench, and prepare a good breadth of 
