OCTOBER. 
317 
to draughts of cold or drying air. Water very carefully, and 
more sparingly as the plants become less active. G-ive air freely 
on every favourable occasion to heaths and other hard-wooded 
plants remaining in the pits, but shut up at night whenever there 
is any danger of frost. Proceed with re-potting and tying any of 
the plants which require this as fast as time can be spared for such 
work, and endeavour to have the whole stock as trim and neat for 
the winter as they can be made. Many growers have an objection 
to shifting hard-wooded plants at this season, but, with careful 
watering, heaths may be shifted as safely now as at any period of 
the year, and we greatly prefer re-potting any thing now, or at 
any time in the winter, which may be sutfering for the want of 
pot room, to keeping them longer stunted for the want of pot room. 
See that all are clear of aphis and mildew, and plants infested with 
scale should be thoroughly cleared of the scale, and their foliage and 
wood well-washed first possible opportunity. Flower Garden .— 
Pot off rooted cuttings of Verbenas, &c., and endeavour to get the 
whole stock of such things well-established in their winter pots as 
early as possible. If the stock of anything is found to be short, 
no time should be lost in putting in as many more cuttings as may 
be necessary. Calceolarias, or some other plants largely used in 
bedding, do not require to be rooted before the winter ; but care 
should be taken to secure an ample stock of cuttings of these 
before they are injured by frost. Also get up Golden-chain, and 
other variegated Geraniums, before the points of their shoots are 
frost-bitten, for if this happens they are very troublesome to 
carry over the winter, especially the more delicate kinds—as Golden 
Chain. Avoid lifting anything, however, as long as can be done 
with safety, and be prepared to cover the beds any evening when 
frost may appear likely. For this purpose a thin sprinkling of 
straw, or any dry litter will answer. See to putting in a good 
stock of Hollyhocks, if not already done, and afford these the aid 
of a gentle bottom heat, without which they will hardly root after 
this season. Any alterations projected about the grounds should be 
proceeded with as fast as possible, especially those involving the 
removal of large shrubs or trees, for which work the first half of 
this month is a very suitable time. Greenhouse .—If any of the 
inmates of this house are still out-of-doors, they should be placed 
in their winter quarters without delay. First, however, have 
the house thoroughly cleaned, well washing the glass so as to 
admit all the light possible. Do not stand the plants too close, 
and rather than be forced to run the risk of injuring fine 
specimens by this means, get out by some means as many of 
the less valuable as will allow of giving ample space to those 
retained. Ventilate freely, on every favourable occasion, and 
aim at getting the young wood well matured before winter, but 
close the house at night when there is any danger of the ther¬ 
mometer falling below 40°. Look out for mildew and insects, 
and spare no trouble to have the plants perfectly clean for the 
winter. Water cautiously, especially plants which are in a rather 
