n 
i 
i 
£ 
THE GARDENERS’ AND NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR FOR AUGUST. 
_ I ffi 
>WA<\'VN/' 
•\ ^A/v/VWV'. / ' 
W/W/WV/' 
'VV'A/'yVVVVVVVVAA/VA/V' 
r v/v/N/>/vz\/\ A/'AA^A/v'A/wvA/'yw'/'A/v/'/y'/v/'/'ywv\ 
the habit of the tree is good, and the cones are very 
beautiful. 
Picea Pinsapo (Spain, 1838).—A rapid growing and 
tine distinct species, its rigid habit and stiff bristling 
leaves contrasting admirably with the more drooping 
kinds. 
Picea nobilis (X. America, 1831).—The habit of 
this tree, under circumstances favourable for its healthy 
development, is so wonderfully regular and beautiful, 
that it ought to be admitted into the most limited col¬ 
lection. 
Picea Fraserii (X. America, 1811).—A very elegant 
while those of promise should be attended to, and 
cuttings struck therefrom. Those from spring sowing 
should have the hoe frequently passed through them. 
Pansies may still be increased by cuttings, and those 
previously struck should be planted, taking the advan¬ 
tage of weather suitable for the operation. Should the 
weather be dry they must be watered until they are 
established. Gather seed as it ripens, and sow when 
ready, which, if done diming this month, will be in 
time to stand the winter. That gathered after will be 
better kept till spring. 
Pinks. —Pipings of these that are now rooted should 
species, symmetrical'and erect in habit, foliage small b f P? ant ^ int0 s } 0Ie beds to strengthen previous to 
and thick, with a glaucous appearance. Worthy a place planting them irn then blooming quarters ‘ 
in a limited collection. 
Araucaria imbricata (Chili, 1796).—The Chili Pine 
although so long introduced, is only just beginning to 
be well known. It is certainly one of the grandest 
plants known. It likes a deep loamy soil, cool, but well 
drained. 
Cryptomeria j'aponica. —This rapid growing Conifer, 
one of Mr. Fortune’s importations from China, is fast 
gaining the good opinion of all admirers of a graceful 
foliage and a pleasing habit of growth. It is considered 
likely to attain an immense height, and certainly pre¬ 
sent appearances seem to render it not improbable. 
Being quite hardy, it should be in every collection. 
Shrubbery. —In this department much ultimate good 
may be effected by going over the hardier and most 
luxuriant evergreens, and pruning off their exuberant 
branches, particularly in places where they are likely 
to encroach upon the well-being of such plants as they 
are intended to foster; this not only reduces them to 
their proper office, but also by close cutting they are 
kept dwarf and full, consequently handsomer specimens. 
A due attention to watering, and keeping down un¬ 
sightly objects, are still the routinal operations in these 
departments. J. C. E. 
Carnations and Picotees should now, without loss of 
time, be layered ; but avoid in all cases the old system 
A further 
supply may still be struck. Examine the seed pods, 
and collect those that have been hybridized or possess 
the greatest requisites, viz., smooth rose-leaf and long 
pods. 
Polyanthuses may now undergo a regular examina¬ 
tion. The old plants are giving ripe seed, which 
should be gathered. The plants should be taken up, 
divided, and replanted, selecting a partial shade, such 
as, or as nearly as can be, the wild primrose most 
luxuriates in. ' 
Seedlings should be planted as the weather suits 
the operation, regard to which should be considered 
rather than particular days or even weeks. Attend to 
the watering of these and the divided ones as they may 
require, keeping clear of weeds, slugs, Ac. 
Ranunculuses and Tulips , now in their boxes and 
drawers, require to be examined occasionally, which, if 
only to change the air, is of great service in keeping 
away damp, Ac. T. B. 
FRUIT-GARDEN.-—IN-DOOR DEPART¬ 
MENT. 
Fruiting Pines. —As the principal summer crop will 
only require casual attention in maturing, Ac., attention 
should now be directed to the crop advancing through 
their several stages for the autumn supply ; these, to 
fruit in perfection, ought to be in a house by themselves. 
of shortening the grass. Where seed is required the Premising that all have been shifted and bottom heat 
decaying petals should be picked off, as a preventive 
of damp injuring the pods; but where seed is not an 
object, the flower stems may be cut down. See that the 
layers do not suffer for want of water, and keep clear 
of weeds, slugs, worms, Ac. 
Pahlias. —The first planting of these now require 
constant attention to watering, tying out the lateral 
shoots, removing those that are superfluous, examining 
at all times the previous fastenings, as the rapidity with 
which they swell at this season will cause them to be¬ 
come too tight, even were they only tied a day or two 
previously. Persevere in the destruction of earwigs 
before the coming shows, that there may be nothing to 
mar the flowers. The soil should be frequently stirred, 
not deeply, but often, as nothing tends more to the 
production of good flowers than good growth, which is 
greatly assisted by loose soil. Seedlings should be 
looked over daily, throwing away single and semi¬ 
double ones, except they possess some new colour, or 
peculiar good form. I would by no means recommend 
a perfect clearance to be made, as it frequently happens 
that our best sorts will give only imperfect flowers the 
first part of the season ; it is, therefore, but reasonable 
to expect the same of seedlings, so if they are not in¬ 
truding on the space of a known good one, wait the 
event of a second flower before they are quite con¬ 
demned. 
Hollyhocks. —Continue to secure to the stakes as 
they advance in growth, watering and stirring the soil as 
they require. Seedlings should be examined and thrown 
out, as they are found to possess no superior claims, 
is genial, water will now be required often, keeping the 
house damp by often repeated sprinkling of the floors, 
and a general syringing in the afternoons when the 
house is closed, will add much to the vigour and health 
of the plants. It will be advisable, however, to avoid 
damping those plants in flower, as it often produces decay 
of the internal seed cells, and renders the fruit worth¬ 
less. 
Succession Plants will require an increased allowance 
of water and air, as they are now making their most 
vigorous growth. The remainder of the plants for fruit¬ 
ing next year may now have their final shift. Stock on 
the Meudon plan must be watched, the bottom heat 
kept carefully steady, and large supplies of water often 
applied over head ; we would not advise much shading 
after this time, as the principal object is to get strong 
stocky vigorous plants, and it will now require all the 
solar light possible to mature their growth sufficiently for 
the plants to have a rest. The suckers from the present 
fruiting plants should now be potted and placed in a 
close frame or pit; these will produce fine plants next 
season. As the Providence and Cayennes are shy at 
producing suckers; take the stools, shake them out, re¬ 
moving some of the lower leaves, repot them and place 
them in a good heat, they will produce good suckers by 
the spring. 
Vinery. —Towards the end of the month the sashes 
may be entirely removed from the early house, provided 
the wood is perfectly ripened. Give the sashes and 
wood-work a coat of paint, when all will be in readiness 
for commencing in the autumn. "Where Grapes are now 
