ew of the thousands of
varieties suitable for this purpose would be out of place here; new
varieties are being constantly introduced, for these the reader is
referred to trade catalogues.

The most important considerations for the beginner are (a) the choice
of colours; (b) the types of flowers; (c) the height and habits of the
varieties. Generally speaking, very tall varieties and those of weak
growth and delicate constitutions should be avoided. The majority of
the varieties listed for exhibition purposes are also suitable for
decoration, especially the Japanese kinds. Propagation and early
culture are substantially as for border plants.

As soon as the 5-in. pots are filled with roots, no time should be
lost in giving them the final shift. Eight-in. pots are large enough
for the general stock, but very strong growers may be given a larger
size. The soil, prepared a fortnight in advance, should consist of
four parts fibrous loam, one part leaf-mould, one part horse manure
prepared as advised above, half a part coarse silver-sand, half a part
of vegetable ash, and a quart of bone-meal or a sprinkling of basic
slag to every bushel of the mixture. Mix thoroughly and turn over at
intervals of three or four days. Pot firmly, working the soil well
around the roots with a lath. The main stake for the support of the
plant should now be given; other and smaller stakes may later be
necessary when the plants are grown in a bushy form, but their number
should not be overdone. The stakes should be as few as possible
consistent with the safety of the shoots, which should be looped up
loosely and neatly. The plants should be placed in their summer
quarters directly after potting. Stand them in rows in a sunny
situation, the pots clear of one another, sufficient room being
allowed between the rows for the cultivator to move freely among them.
The main stakes are tied to rough trellis made by straining wire in
two rows about 2 ft. apart between upright poles driven into the
ground. Coarse coal ashes or coke breeze are the best materials to
stand the pots on, there being little risk of worms working through
into the pots. The plants, which are required to produce as many
flowers as possible, should have their tips pinched out at frequent
intervals, from the end of March or beginning of April to the last
week in June, for the main season kinds; and about the middle