6 
summer. They ask above all things 
perfect drainage. They havea preference 
A rich 
sandy loam combined with a little leaf- 
mould, mortar, and limestone rubbish is 
very acceptable. 
for a chalky or a sandy soil. 
Always let the corms 
appear well above the ground, and avoid 
watering them while they are at rest. 
They can be raised easily from seed, or 
by division of the corms. 
Iris Koemferi have been flowering 
gorgeously in many gardens during the 
past summer months. The magnificent 
form and rare shades of the blooms and 
the strong veining of the petals combine 
to make them conspicuously distinct- 
This beautiful Japanese variety can be 
“grown quite easily even in gardens of 
small pretentions, provided the space 
they occupy can be converted into a mild 
swamp during their period of active 
growth and efflorescence. Let them 
therefore surround a water tap from 
which there is a constant drip or dribble 
of water. The original soil should be 
taken out to a considerable depth and 
one of a moist humic or a peaty character 
substituted. This should insure perma- 
nent moisture, and thus gratify their 
They must not be 
protected by trees or placed in a shady 
position for they revel in the sunshine 
always, providing their roots are kept 
cool and moist. They can be raised from 
seed, but substantial divisions of the 
root stock planted in the autumn is the 
semi-aquatic tastes. 
surest way for a start. ; 
Cut back Fuchsias, Show, Regal, and 
Fancy Pelargoniums, and plant cuttings. 
of same. 
Save seeds, watching the plants very 
carefully for those it is desired to pro- 
pagate by this means. Make a careful 
selection of seed and avoid perpetuating 
worthless, unattractive varieties 
The sunflower came from Peru. 
Jn the botanical-gardens of Rio de 
of 6,000 
varieties of orchids recognised and des- 
cribed by the authorities. Some varieties 
are very common, while a great many of 
them are rare enough to command from 
15 to 30 dollars each in Brazil. 
Janeiro there are upwards 
THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
Plant Feeding. 
By Fred W. Timme. 
Many of the ills that befalls ‘plants 
under high cultivation are the direct or 
indirect result: of misapplication or excess 
in the application of fertilisers. The 
cause of inexplicable troubles complained 
of every now and then by lay-gardeners 
and beginners is, in many such instances, 
traceable to practices prompted by theories 
of their own, apparently brimful of good 
logic but devoid of any sort of support by 
With their way of 
reasoning it seems inconsistent to help 
along by liquid feeding a rose, acarnation 
or any plant already in robust health and 
vigor, and to deny such assistance to those 
needing it most, the weak, the sick and 
those most backward in growth. Yet such 
has proved the right way of doing, when 
the question of good or evil by the use of 
liquid plant food is involved. 
A plant labouring under the effects of 
disease or slow in growth and root-action 
enfeebled and emaciated.’ or one, but 
recently transplanted aud as yet sot fully 
established,’ cannot assiniilate ‘ additional 
actual experience. 
supplies of fertilising’ matter in - whatever 
form held forth; while a plant in vigorous 
health with’its'roots feeling and searching 
for nutriment ina soil drawn’ upon for 
months and now nearly exhausted, is the 
one most in need of and most benefited. 
'y feeding. This treatment may be 
applied at first in the form of a mulch or 
top dressing, to be renewed from time to 
time. Later on, when this dressing has 
been eagerly taken to by a network of tiny 
surface fibers, feeding in liquid form is 
resorted to, weak doses at the start to 
be followed by doses of greater strength 
applied regularly once a week or oftener, 
according to condition of stock and effect 
observed. 
’ Feeding chrysanthemums should cease 
when the flowers are over half expanded. 
in the case of roses after flowers are cut 
and the variety is off crop. All potted 
plants with very few exceptions, when in 
full growth and firmly established, are 
helped along by liquid feeding. In no 
case should liquid manure be given when 
the soil is we:l dried out or the plant 
February 1, 1909 
— 
languishing for the want of moisture. Nor 
Should plants evidently already surfeited 
by an overabundance of aeidity and 
moisture in the soil be fed until the 
appetite for more has been restored, This 
is in most instances of the kind accom- 
plished by a thorough drying out of the 
Soil, or, asin the case of valuable pot 
plants, by a repotting into new, sweet 
soil, and the exercise of moderation in 
watering and feeding when resumed. 
The application of stimulating and 
fertilising matter, especially when afforded 
stock under mass culture in liquid form 
is one of the details that offers abundant 
opportunity to the observant grower for 
careful and extended study. It is only 
by noting their immediate and after 
effects that one learns to rightly use 
concoctions of the kind and to direct. and 
control their action to the best advan- 
tage. But this thing of finding out by 
trying out comes natural to every one 
interested in his work, and it is this every 
day interest in results of practical value 
that has doze more for real advancement 
in commercial floriculture than the ardor 
of unbridled enthusiasm displayed by 
most beginners,and only too soon. cooled 
down: by the. common . work-day affairs 
connected with his trade; \s 
_-‘Blorists’ Exchange? 
A stimulant ointment is prepared from 
the roots of the ivy-leafed Cyclamen 
reputed to a powerful vermifuge for 
children. 
The Most Artistic 
House for 
PICTURE FRAMES, 
MOULDINGS, 
ENGRAVINGS, Ete, 
AN UNLIMITED STOCK TO 
CHOOSE FROM. 
pag- Very Reasonable 
Trial Solicited, 
K. A. HUNT, 
Prices. A 
Gawler Place, Next Hamburg Hotel 
