Summer and autumn flowering-plants will now be abundant, and great care must be exercised, so that show-houses of any pretension may not form a part of the "bedding system." To have a mass of plants closely packed together (the one killing the other, and the whole struggling for the mastery), is simply an outrage on good taste; something like distinctness and gracefulness should be attempted. They should be kept thin, turned round frequently, well treated with water, and kept clean (both plants and pots). Fuchsias (especially standards), Pelargoniums, Petunias, Achimenes, Gloxinias, Coleus, Gladioli in pots, Lantanas, Campanula pyramidalis, Cockscombs, Begonias, Balsams, etc, mixed with well-grown specimens of Tree-Ferns, Cordalines, Araucaria excelsa, variegated Phormiums, Dracaenas, half-hardy Palms, and suchlike, would at any time command admiration in a show-house in any position. In our district we know of some half-dozen mechanics who have neat little glass-structures placed by their cots (mostly erected by their own hands), and as they have to buy their plants, their stock is small; but it is of much advantage in another form - they have to give extra care to cultivation and arrangement.

By this means they have their plants thin and select, and they take the form of compact specimens. Stove-plants, or any with delicate foliage, must not be subjected to cold draughts. Ferns, and similar shade-loving plants, should be kept where sun and cold air have not full power over them. During this month the days are often very warm and the nights chilly; rather than run risk of injury, it is better to shut the ventilators. This applies as much to the small frame and window-box as the large house. Careful watering, and abundance of it, is still requi-site for free-growing plants, such as Fuchsias, Balsams, etc. The training of climbers, and judicious thinning of them, requires careful attention. A strong stem with all the flowering branches hanging down is a very pleasing sight; but the whole twisted and tied into ropes, bunches, or coils, as sometimes seen, is very offensive to the eye. Examine borders and beds with plants growing in them, and let good soakings of water (rain if it can be had) be given. Camellias, Oranges, and large evergreen plants, will require a quantity of water.

Smaller plants in pots are different, and when they are watered they should be in want of it; but in no case should they be allowed to become dust-dry. New Holland plants may be removed to safe quarters by end of month. Those in small pots often suffer when left out late to heavy autumn rains, should they prevail. A general cleaning of houses and pits may be made when they can be spared. Lights not in use should be washed, and if painting is necessary it should have due attention. Put in cuttings of Pelargoniums of all kinds, especially of the Zonal kinds. Cut down those show kinds which have flowered, and when broke and growing they may have the soil shaken from them, the roots reduced, and be repotted into smaller-sized pots. They are better under protection of glass-lights after this. Cinerarias, Primulas, Calceolarias, Chrysanthemums, shift to larger pots as may be required : starving at roots now means stunted growth and poor foliage. Chrysanthemums left in the open ground require less attention with water than those in pots, but they must not be left to themselves.

It may be well to look to the stock of winter-flowering hardy plants. Azaleas and Camellias which have set their buds may have plenty of air and light, but should not stand in the glaring sun. Be careful in taking plants from shade to exposure. The stock of Deutzias, Wiegelias, Rhododendrons, Lilacs, etc., should be kept in the sun and not over-moist, so that they may be ready for early work at the proper time. Roses should be forward for autumn and winter blooming : Teas and China kinds come readily into flower. Roman Hyacinths should be bought and potted - three to six or a dozen in pots and pans. Autumn Gracilis Heaths and others for early flowering should be ready to do their part towards display. The stock of bulbs should be considered in due time : early potting means early flowering with little forcing. Stake and train all plants which require attention in this way. Among the better class of specimens in stoves free growth may have been made, and they should have more air and exposure, as much as they can bear. Shade as little as may be necessary; give the requisite amount of pot-room for the roots; put plenty of moisture on the paths and stages; syringe less, and be careful not to drench flowers.

The winter stock of flowering-plants must now have due attention to prevent stunting them, and keep them clean. M. T.