The conservatory should now be gay with Balsams, Cockscombs, Fuchsias,
Globe Amaranths, Heliotropes, and the varieties of Japan Lilies. Strict
attention must be paid to all plants in these structures that they
do not suffer from the want of water. Continue to stop over-luxuriant
growth, to obtain compact, sturdy specimens. On the evenings of hot, dry
days, after the plants have been watered, give them a slight syringing,
or sprinkling, over the leaves, and also the ground upon which they are
standing.
Aotus gracillimus.--When done blooming, to be cut down close to the pot.
Aphelexis and Helichrysums.--When past their best state, cut the
flower-stems close into the old wood; to be set in a cool shady place
until they begin to grow, when any that require it may be repotted.
Chrysanthemums.--Propagate by cuttings, or layers, to obtain dwarf
stocky plants. Continue to top the plants that have been planted out in
rows in the open ground, as advised some time ago.
Cinerarias.--Pot off the first batch of seedlings and offsets. Sow seed.
Fuchsias.--Shift in the last batch, and put in cuttings.
Leschenaultias.--When they are going out of bloom, or past their best,
remove the flowers and flower-buds, and put them in a cool place to
start again.
Kalosanthes.--When done blooming, the flower-stems and all straggling
growth to be cut in closely, to form compact specimens for another
season.
Pelargoniums.--Cut back the principal stock, and treat them as advised
lately.
Pimelea spectabilis.--When that and the other kinds have done blooming,
to be freely cut in, and to be set in a cool shady place to break.
Polygalas to be treated in the same manner as the _Pimeleas_.