250 
ANTIRRHINUMS. 
a blooming state as long as possible, this must be particularly 
observed, for the production of seed which naturally results after 
flowering is inimical to the development of other flowers, as the 
plant is unable to perfect both at once. The observation is, of 
course, unnecessary where high-keeping is aimed at in the flower 
garden, for there no kind of seed will be allowed to mature, other 
plants and places being devoted to the purpose ; yet, lest any mis¬ 
take or disappointment should arise, we mention the circumstance 
for the benefit of those engaged in smaller places. How far the 
principle may be carried as regards other plants, is a question 
worthy the attention of all who have the opportunity to test the 
subject; we know that in very many cases, the result of the pre¬ 
vention to seed, and the simultaneous application of water and 
other stimulants to a renewed action in the plant, is productive 
of the desired end, when the time and season are propitious. With 
the plants in question, however, it is by no means speculative, 
but a matter of certainty. Besides these means of extending the 
blooming period, it is easy to have a succession of plants to begin 
flowering at a later time, and this may be done in a manner to 
increase not only the floral display, but also the interest of the 
collection. Let the first crop of flowers be produced by plants 
of established sorts, propagated in the autumn, hy slips from 
plants that have bloomed the previous season ; these are readily 
struck under a hand-glass any time from August till the end of 
September, and as easily preserved through the winter in a dry 
sheltered border, or in pots placed in a cold frame ; such plants 
will be in excellent condition to remove to the borders of the 
flower garden in spring, and will bloom as described. The second 
and only other necessary succession should be composed of seed¬ 
lings ; let the seed be sown early in March in a gentle heat, or 
under hand-glasses on a south border; they will with a little 
attention be handsome subjects to remove where they are desired 
to bloom by the end of May, and will commence flowering in 
August, and last in perfect vigour throughout the autumn ; the 
pleasing anticipation of novelty among these will greatly enhance 
their value, independent of the display created, and the best of 
them will furnish cuttings for plants to bloom among the earliest 
in the following year. It is not, however, absolutely necessary 
to strike every season for the supply through the next, as the 
