PELARGONIUM. 
115 
and this may be done by placing an inverted flower 
pot over them, which can be removed when the storm 
is over. In six or seven weeks, they will be rooted, 
and may then be taken up, put in small pots, and re¬ 
moved into the green-house or room windows. 
When Geraniums are grown in rooms, place them 
as close to the windows as convenient, and as soon 
as the plants are about ten inches high, pinch off the 
ends of the shoots, as this causes them to push out 
a number of lateral branches, and makes them bushy. 
Water them sparingly in winter, and occasionally 
wipe their leaves with a wet sponge ; this will keep 
them clear of dust and insects. Turn them round 
once a month, that all parts may have the benefit of 
the light, and grow regularly; and when the roots 
protrude through the hole at the bottom of the pot, 
shift them, with the ball of roots entire, into larger 
pots, filling up the space with fresh soil. Repotting 
will prevent their flowering until the pots are again 
filled with roots, but they will flower finer and longer 
than if confined in small pots. Those in large pots 
will not require shifting, but as soon as they show 
their flower buds, more liberal supplies of water may 
be given to them, and they will soon come into flower. 
In May or June, while they are in flower, they will 
continue in beauty much longer, if placed in a situa¬ 
tion that is partially shaded, such as the veranda or a 
window not exposed to the full sun, and regularly 
watered in the evening. As soon as they have done 
flowering, they should be pruned, by cutting out the 
flower stalks, and shortening such of the shoots as re¬ 
require it; after which they may be placed out in the 
