AUGUST. 
13 
Polyanthus, Antirrhinums, Violas, Campanula 
pyramidalis, &c. Cuttings of double Wall¬ 
flowers, Pinks, &c., should also be inserted now. 
Lift Anemones, Narcissus, and other roots and 
bulbs as their foliage dies down. Many plants 
in this department will now be revealing their 
dower-spikes, and will therefore need staking 
and tying to prevent them being blown about. 
Commence budding Roses towards the close of 
the month. It is not advisable to begin too 
soon, however, in forward districts, as the buds 
often start into growth, and on that account 
are sometimes killed if severe weather follows. 
Cuttings of the half-ripened wood will root 
freely at this time of the year if inserted under 
hand-lights, or in cold frames behind a north 
wall, where there is but little sun. Flower-beds 
will now require constant attention, for if the 
weather is dry, frequent and copious waterings 
will be necessary. Peg down and pinch any 
plants growing out of character; remove all 
dead flower-stalks to preserve a tidy appearance. 
Some of the stronger-growing plants, as Holly¬ 
hocks, Dahlias, Helianthus, &c., would be greatly 
benefited by being watered with liquid manure. 
Most of the sub-tropical plants will be making 
rapid progress, and will therefore require look¬ 
ing to. Run the hoe through the beds and 
amongst the plants to keep down weeds. Mow 
lawns and edge walks; trim and tie creepers as 
growth proceeds, in order to prevent them being 
broken off' by high winds. 
AUGUST. 
Plant-houses. 
Orchid Houses.— A number of the plants 
in these houses will now be in active growth, 
and for this reason must be kept warm. Among 
these may be mentioned those of the Phalae- 
nopsis family, which require a warm, even tem¬ 
perature. Dendrobiums will still demand plenty 
of heat and moisture. The house may be damped 
down with manure-water, using the same for the 
evaporating troughs. Keep a sharp look-out for 
thrips, which are very destructive to the young- 
foliage. If any of the weevils are found cut away 
the parts affected at once and burn them, as 
nothing does more harm to Dendrobes than these 
minute creatures. Odontoglossums of the cris- 
pum section will generally have gone out of 
flower, and some will be starting to develop 
new growth. Any that require potting should 
be attended to before new roots are formed, as 
it is a great mistake to injure them by the pro¬ 
cess of transplanting to larger pots while in 
active growth. See that all pots and crocks used 
are quite clean. After potting shade the house 
a little more in bright weather, and keep the 
atmosphere closer for a short time, till the roots 
get active. Odontoglossum vexillarium, 0. Phalce- 
nopsis, and some others of the same class, need 
a warmer temperature; from 60° to 65° at night 
suiting them admirably during this month. 
Keep up plenty of humidity in the atmosphere 
by constant damping down, and keep a sharp 
watch for red thrips, which finds its way into 
the young sheaths. Epidendrum vitellinum majus 
and some others will be improved by potting 
now. They should be grown with the cool 
Odontoglossums. Lycastes and Maxillarias will 
have completed their growth, so that they will 
need less water. The remarks that were given 
last month still apply to Cattleyas. When the 
nights are cold less air should be admitted, 
and a little fire-lieat should be applied to cause 
a circulation of air. 
Hothouse. —Poinsettias, Euphorbia jacqui- 
niceflora, Amasonia punicea, and other winter¬ 
blooming plants, should be exposed to the sun¬ 
light for the purpose of ripening their shoots. 
This is a good time for potting Anthuriums in 
order that they may be well established before 
their flowering season comes round. Begonias 
of the section flowering in winter should also be 
potted on, and kept near the glass, to encour¬ 
age a sturdy habit. As Caladiums finish their 
growth give less water, but do not dry them 
off too rapidly. 
Where any palms need to be potted, perform 
the work during the current month so that they 
may become well rooted before the winter ap¬ 
proaches. Ferns should also receive attention; 
particularly a batch of Adiantums for winter 
decorations should be potted into pots of a size 
larger, and seedlings should be pricked out into 
pans or pots for spring use. Take cuttings 
of Coleus and other plants of a tender nature, 
and root them in gentle heat so that they may 
grow bushy. 
Greenhouse and Conservatory. —-When 
the foliage of hard-wooded plants has grown firm, 
and before they are taken indoors, is a good 
time to look over them and rid them of insect 
pests. They may for this end be laid down on 
their sides, and washed with the garden engine 
or syringe, taking care to cleanse the under sides 
of the leaves. If they have two or three similar 
dressings they will be freed from insect plagues. 
Cuttings of show and fancy Pelargoniums that 
