Let there be at least three inches drainage. In putting them in those large pots, let the ball of earth be turned out whole, rub off a little of the surface, and, after having filled the large pot high enough with the compost, place the ball so that the collar of the plant, which is just above the surface of the old ball, be within half an inch of the edge of the flower pot; put the soil around it; press it down between the ball and the side, and fill the whole up level with the collar of the plant and the edge of the pot.

Let them all be placed in a sheltered spot and refreshed with water when they require it, which will be more or less frequently, according as the season be dry or wet. Let each pot have a stake in the centre, to which the plants may be closely tied as they rise up for bloom. When they show their buds, remove all but three, and the flowers will be the finer, and not more than one blooming shoot may be left on each plant.

When the buds have swollen, and are about to burst, tie a piece of bass matting round the middle, and carefully open the calyx down to the tie, at all the divisions, as the flower can then open all around alike; otherwise, they frequently burst on one side, and it is then difficult to form an even flower.

As the petals develop themselves, they should be shaded from the sun and rain, either of which would damage the flowers. Culture in pots is seldom resorted to in this country, unless it be for exhibition purposes; and it is for the benefit of amateurs, who wish to grow them for that purpose, that we have given such minute directions.

Culture in Beds and the Flower Border

This is the most common method in this country, culture in pots being attended with more trouble, and occupying more time, than can usually be given. They succeed admirably in any good garden loam, provided it is well drained; too much water or moisture, when over abundant, can over soak the plants and cause them to die prematurely.

The soil should be trenched to the depth of eighteen inches in the fall, enriching it at the same time with leaf mould and cow's manure, thoroughly rotted; should the soil be heavy, an addition of refuse charcoal, lime rubbish, or sand, will be beneficial, leaving the surface rough, that the frost of winter may act upon it.

In the spring, the beds should be again thoroughly spaded to the depth of one foot, and raked smooth; after which the plants should be turned out of the pots, leaving the ball entire, and planted two feet apart each way. The after treatment may be the same as recommended for pot culture.