The Garden Under Glass

62 THE GARDEN UNDER GLASS nip out the point—say about an inch. Three or more growths will push up, and when these are about six inches long they also may be pinched. It is possible by early propagation to pinch the plants three times in the season, but in no case should pinching be done after the end of June for the main batch and the beginningfor late plants. If they are pinched later it will depend greatly on the season whether they flower at all, and the general experience is that they will not. Feeding the Plants If a good open compost has been provided there need be no hesitation in using liquid cow manure rather freely. The plan I advise is to water for two or three days with liquid manure and for an equal time with clear water. If these be used on altemate days it will probably happen that a plant will not be sufficiently dry to receive manure-water, and being watered with clear water the next day will, on the following day, for the same reason, lose the advantage of the stimulant. Alternate watering does not at all equalise the benefits of feeding. A dusting of Clay’s or of Peruvian gttano once a fortnight or three weeks may be given in addition to the liquid manure. A topdressing of loam, spent horse manure, and Chemical manure may be applied if space for it has been left at the time of potting. Besides feeding the plants it will keep the roots on the surface free from the buming influence of the sun. Feeding of any kind should not be commenced until by drying out quickly the plants show that their roots have taken a good hold of the compost. Early after potting the work of staking will engage attention. One good stäke will usually be found sufficient for each plant, and further protection from wind may be