608 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Dxe., 1899. 
protects the roots of the growing grass. Where it is desired to sow lawns, 
this is a good time to do it, looking out for showery weather. It is often 
desired to cut a lawn edge perfectly straight for a considerable distance, and 
- the ordinary garden line is not found suitable for the purpose, because it can 
only be stretched true for a certain short distance. I use a long piece of 
wire (Birmingham wire gauge No, 13). It is strained by means of the 
“Bufallo” wire grip used by the Post and Telegraph Department for straining 
the telegraph wires. ‘This works with two small blocks and aline. A. substitute 
can be made by any handy man. A quarter of a mile is the length we generally 
“set it to, but it can be drawn as tense and straight as a harp string for half a 
mile. A. few small pegs at equal distances will then keep it in position. We 
find it handier to use than an ordinary garden line and as quickly set. 
The shade garden or bush-house will need attention in the matter of shade. 
Do not let this be too dense. This is the chief cause of failure in these 
structures. Plant up all bare places, and top-dress with good loam mixed with 
leaf-mould and sand. Keep the atmosphere in this structure as damp as 
possible, not only by watering the plants but by scattering water about the 
floors and empty spaces. Achimenes are probably now flowering, and will 
require less and less water as they begin to dry off. Caladiums will be the 
better for occasional waterings with liquid manure. A good way of doing 
with these is to pot them in the first instance low in the pots, and then 
topdress them with a rich soil as they make growth. When you repot 
these plants do not disturb the ball of earth too much. Like palns, 
they detest having their roots interfered with. Cinerarias may be sown 
at the end of the month. Eucharis amazonica, which makes such a charming 
button-hole, is much more easily grown than is generally thought. This 
month it should be treated to weak liquid manure about twice a week. Ferns ~ 
should have old fronds removed. Very many people are under the impression 
that to give liquid manure to ferns is to kill them, but, as a matter of fact, a 
little weak liquid manure now and again in the growing season improves them, — 
especially the more robust kinds. GJoxinias should be kept damp when they 
are in flower, In this climate they are very subject to Red Spider. They also 
should have weak liquid manure when in flower. Primulas may be sown at the 
end of the month. See directions for sowing small seeds already published in 
this Journal. Streptocarpus, of which there are many new and beautiful 
varieties, will now be flowering. Many of the best varieties have not yet found 
their way into this country. It will be well to bear in mind that stocks for 
budding should now be got ready, and that the first three months of the new 
century will be a busy time in the garden. Lay all your plans, make lists of the 
seeds you want, order them early, because your nurseryman himself wants to 
take time by the forelock, and make up his lists in good time. 
