The Garden Under Glass

GLOSSARY 363 sliould, when thinning the bemes takes place, be tied up clear of the other portions of the bunch. Shy.—A variety of grape vine which does not set its fruit freely is said to be shy. A plant also which does not flower freely is called a shy bloomer. Span-roofed.—A house with two equal spåns. Diagram 2, page 8, gives a good idea of a span-roofed house. Spent.—Manure which has had most of its virtue used is said to be spent. The term is usually applied to horse manure used for mushrooms, after a crop of mushroom have been taken off. As explained under “ Mushroom Manure,” it is very valuable for mixing with potting soil. Split.—Ferns and some similar subjects are propagated by division of the root stock. In gardening parlance this is termed splitting up. It is essential that there be at least one bud to each piece, but it is not usual to divide the plants to such an extent as this. Stem Cuttings.—Those growths suitable for cuttings which push out from the stem of the plant are called stem cuttings. This is to distinguish them from basal cuttings, which spring direct from the root stock of the plant, and are usually to be found a few inches away from the stem. For Chrysanthemums, the basal cuttings are best, as stem cuttings are very liable throughout the year to throw premature buds and thus upset the calculations of the grower. Stool.—After a plant such as a Chrysanthemum has had its flowers cut the stem is cut to within a foot of the soil. This old stem and ball of soil is then called the stool. They are preserved for purposes of propagation, for it is from these that the cuttings are obtained. Stove—A stove is a plant house with a minimum temperature of 65° to 70°, and stove plants are those which need this temperature. Stove plants are not now grown to the same extent as they were a few decades back, but there is quite likely to be a revival. The temperature of a stove may be lowered in the winter by about 50.