HINTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
265 
approaches. But there are some exceptions: for instance, the 
lovely little Nemophilla insignis revels in a partially shaded 
spot. With regard to the exposure to light, there are some 
particulars in the after-management of the plants in the open 
air which deserve attention. We allude chiefly to the usually 
crowded state of the shoots of many kinds during the latter 
months of summer, whereby the leaves are prevented from 
receiving their full share of solar influence; as, for example, the 
whole race of Pelargonia. If a little timely pruning, and occa¬ 
sional thinning out, were adopted, not only would the appear¬ 
ance of the bed be improved, but the quantity of the flowers 
would be increased, and their colour improved. Other plants, 
again, require stopping back, to keep them from straggling too 
far, and to further the developement of lateral shoots; and with 
others, as the Phloxes, and some species of Salvia , the same 
ends will be answered by fastening the shoots to the ground 
with small pegs. 
It will be seen, that throughout the present article we have 
expressly had in view that portion of the pleasure ground 
especially styled the flower-garden, and devoted almost entirely 
to the culture of half-hardy plants in beds, each containing a 
single kind. Many of the points inculcated are applicable, 
either wholly or to a partial extent, to other departments, 
and some of the plants which unavoidably come under the 
general description here given may require some modification 
in the management; but these are comparatively few in 
number, and do not affect the general question.” 
[We have abridged the above from an article in “ Paxton’s 
Magazine on Botany” for last month, as it contains some really 
excellent practical advice, which cannot fail to be useful in the 
majority of ordinary flower-gardens — and the more especially 
as the present is the most available portion of the year for 
applying the hints thrown out. Nearly nine-tenths of the 
gardens round the metropolis are altogether without, or have 
but very inefficient, drainage; and in confined situations, like 
those we speak of, it is indeed of vital importance, not only to 
the welfare of the ordinary occupants of it, but to human life, 
and the enjoyment of it as well. — Ed.] 
