Malope.--Very beautiful hardy annuals having soft leaves. They may be
raised from seed sown in April in any garden soil. They bloom in June
or July. Height, 11/2 ft. to 2 ft.
Malva.--Very ornamental plants, more especially the greenhouse
varieties. The hardy perennials succeed in any good garden soil, and
are increased by seed sown in the autumn, or by division of the
root. The greenhouse kinds should be grown in rich earth: these are
propagated by cuttings planted in light soil. The annuals are poor
plants. Some of the varieties bloom in June, others in August. Height,
2 ft.
Mandevillea Suaveolens.--A fine climbing plant bearing very sweet
white flowers in June. It is rather tender, and more suitable for the
conservatory than the open air. It does not make a good pot-plant, but
finds a suitable home in the border of the conservatory in equal parts
of peat and sandy loam. In pruning adopt the same method as for the
vine or other plants which bear flowers on wood of the same year's
growth. It is propagated by seed sown in heat, or by cuttings under
glass. Syringe the leaves daily during the hot season. A temperature
of from 40 to 50 degrees in winter, and from 55 to 65 degrees in
summer should be maintained. Height, 10 ft.
Manures.--One of the best fertilisers of the soil is made by
saturating charred wood with urine. This may be drilled in with seeds
in a dry state. For old gardens liquid manure is preferable to stable
manure, and if lime or chalk be added it will keep in good heart for
years without becoming too rich. A good manure is made by mixing 64
bushels of lime with 2 cwts. of salt. This is sufficient for one
acre. It should be forked in directly it is put upon the ground.
Superphosphate of lime mixed with a small amount of nitrate of
soda and forked into the ground is also a fine manure, but is more
expensive than that made from lime and salt. Charred cow-dung is
ready for immediate use. For established fruit-trees use, in showery
weather, equal quantities of muriate of potash and nitrate of soda,
scattering 1 oz. to the square yard round the roots. Peruvian guano,
in the proportion of 1 oz. to each gallon of water, is a very powerful
and rapid fertiliser. In whatever form manure is given, whether in
a dry or liquid form, care must be taken not to administer it in
excessive quantities, for too strong a stimulant is as injurious as
none at all. In ordinary cases loam with a fourth part leaf-mould is
strong enough for potting purposes; and no liquid except plain water
should be given until the plants have been established some time. For
roses, rhubarb, and plants that have occupied the same ground for a
considerable time, mix 1 lb. of superphosphate of lime with 1/2 lb. of
guano and 20 gallons of water, and pour 2 or 3 gallons round each root
every third day while the plants are in vigorous growth. Herbaceous
plants are better without manure. Liquid manure should be of the same
colour as light ale.