The two important operations of layering Carnations and budding Roses may be carried on in the manner advised in the previous chapter.

Taking Chrysanthemum Buds

The bud system of Chrysanthemums which are grown for the production of large blooms was explained in Chapter VII (July. The Heart Of The Year). It was stated there that if buds show in July they should be removed, and the best of the basal shoots selected for growing on, the others being picked off. A good many varieties will not show crown buds until the second or third week in August, however, and these will probably come right if allowed to remain. This being so, they should be left, and all the incipient shoots just below pinched out. This is a case of the "first crown" buds being retained. Those that were deprived of their first crown bud in July will form second ones in August or early September, and these will be retained, basal shoots being removed.

FREESIA REFRACTA ALBA, THE SWEETEST OF ALL WINTER-FLOWERING BULBS.

Liliums

Lovers of hardy Liliums will now have the satisfaction of seeing most of their favourites in full bloom, although early kinds, like Candidum, will be over. Unless the plants are well sheltered, it will be prudent to support the flower stems with stakes, otherwise one stormy day might spoil the whole season's work. If the plants are growing in light soil, two or three good soak-ings of water and liquid manure, followed by a mulch of short manure, will be a help to them, and improve the flowers.

Potting Freesias

Bulbs that have been well roasted on a shelf in a sunny house, or that are purchased from a dealer, should now be potted. Half-a-dozen bulbs may be placed equidistant in a 5-inch pot, and covered with an inch of soil. The growth of Freesias is much more delicate than that of Tulips and Hyacinths; consequently it is not desirable to plunge them in ashes or fibre. The pots may be stood in an unheated frame, partly embedded in ashes, until the shoots have pushed an inch through the soil, when they may be transferred to a greenhouse. Loam with a little leaf mould and sand will form a suitable compost.

Seedling Herbaceous Calceolarias

I previously remarked on the delicacy of these beautiful plants in their very early stages. If they have been carefully handled, they ought to be safe by now, and to be ready for pricking off two inches apart in shallow boxes or pans. The soil should be fine and moist, but not "soppy." A shady frame will be a good place for the plants. With attention to ventilation and watering, they will not give much cause for anxiety henceforth.

Fig. 56. - Potting Freesias.

a. A Freesia bulb.

b. The bulbs potted.

c. The covering soil.