CHAPTER XVIII

Various Hints

_Artificial manures--Labelling--Cutting off dead flowers--Buying plants--Tidiness in the garden, etc._

With far the larger half of our population =the question of cost= comes into everything. There are so many claims on our purses, that the money spent on recreations can only be a small part; moreover, is always liable to be drawn on at any moment. Somehow, the money laid out on a garden always seems to be grudged, especially when it is for such things as manure, so that if that item can be reduced, so much the better.

=A "WRINKLE."= One good way of buying it, is to get the boys who sweep the roads to bring the contents of their cart to your garden instead of taking it away. Quite a lot can be purchased for sixpence or so, and the mixture is even more beneficial to some plants than the loads bought from the contractor. When the neat little heaps are swept up at the roadside, anyone may take it away. Householders can employ their own errand-boys to do so, no charge being made whatever.

=Guano and artificial manures= in general are very stimulating, and must only be given to plants in bud, or at all events full-growth. Sickly plants or those at rest must never have it. =Soapsuds= form a mild stimulant for rose-trees in summer, but these things do not come in place of the manure with which the soil must be dressed in autumn; they are only additions.

=LABELLING.= There has been much controversy over the labelling of plants; it must be done very delicately, or the appearance of the garden is spoilt; the word label usually presupposes a name to be written thereon, but, in reality, =just a mark to show where a plant is=, often seems all that is necessary, and this is very important indeed with plants which die right down every winter. The most unobtrusive tallies must be used, and they should be of zinc, or they will inevitably get lost. The wooden ones are all right in the greenhouse, but no good at all outside. For rose-trees, names are required, and =the "acme" labels are much the best= ever invented for these, and have now been in use by all rosarians for years; they can be had at Cant's Rose Nurseries, Colchester, for about 1s. 3d. a dozen, post paid.

=If we would keep plants in good health=, all dead flowers must be cut off regularly; this is specially important in the case of sweet peas, pansies, and other free-flowering plants, which become poor, and soon leave off blossoming altogether, if allowed to form seed-pods. It is =a good plan= to go round every morning with a basket and scissors, and snip off all faded blooms, as, when several days elapse, the work becomes long and irksome.

=As regards buying plants=, this comes somewhat expensive, until a little knowledge and experience has been gained. After a while, the different plants are known by sight, and one is able to see directly whether a flower or shrub is well grown and of good colour. Then, instead of ordering everything at the large nurseries, one can often pick up, in one's wanderings, very =good things at small cost=. Until that is the case, it is wiser to order from some reliable firm who is sure to send out everything true to name. People who go in for gardening, should always be ready to learn; there are so many points which cannot be acquired all at once. One can often gain a "wrinkle" if one keeps one's eyes open, as the saying is. Constant visits should be made to Kew, Hampton Court, or any other well-kept public garden, if at all within reach. A stroll round a neighbour's garden, too, will often give one new ideas, and the interchange of opinions does a deal of good. A magazine keeps up one's interest wonderfully, and there are many specially published for amateurs. One must not be surprised that the advice often seems contradictory. =The right way of growing a plant is the way that succeeds=, and experience shows how varied may be the means by which success is attained. I should like here to warn my readers that before launching out into any great expense, they first come to a full understanding as to what they will or will not be able to take away. Greenhouses can be put up as =tenants' fixtures=, but a very slight difference in the manner of placing them may result in a good deal of unpleasantness with the landlord, and it is the same with rose-trees, and other shrubs and plants. Where a shrub has attained to goodly proportions, it is really the best way to let it remain, even though the associations connected with it may be pleasant, as transplanting would probably mean death, in which case neither party would have gained anything. Of course, in the nature of things, a lover of gardening is loth to move at all, a rolling stone is not at all in his line.

=Tidiness is most important in a small garden=, especially in the winter time; plants may be allowed to get rampant in summer, but in the cold weather, this wildness tends to make it look miserable. One sometimes sees the brown, mildewed stalks of sunflowers and other tall plants, left on right into December, even in a front garden, and it =gives such a deserted look= to the place, that one longs to "have at them" there and then with a knife. It is the same way with autumn leaves; in woods they look beautiful, as they flutter down and make a rich, rustling carpet for our feet, but, somehow, in the garden the beauty seems gone, and it is generally the best plan to sweep them away as soon as possible into some corner, where they can be left to turn into leaf mould. Of course there is a certain beautiful freedom which is very desirable in a garden, and which no one could call untidiness. What looks lovelier, for instance, than the jasmine, with its long sprays hanging down over the window, or the break made in a straight-edged path by some luxurious patch of thrift or forget-me-not? these are only fascinating irregularities!

=Winter need not be a time for idleness=; it must be spent in getting ready for the spring. Tools should be overhauled thoroughly, and new supplies of sticks and labels prepared. Plans, too, should be made for filling each different bed, so that when the warm days arrive, and one scarcely knows what to be at first, everything may be in train.

The faculty of looking ahead must needs be used, if we wish to succeed. I often think that =living in anticipation constitutes a great part of the charm of gardening=. When sowing the seed, have we not bright visions of the time when that self-same seed will bear most exquisite blossoms? When pruning our rose trees, dreams of what they will become lend added interest to our occupations, and, indeed, this quality of imagination turns arduous work into a veritable labour of love, so that its devotees always aver it is the most delightful recreation in the world.

JANUARY.

_Average Temperature 37._

In frosty weather wheel manure on to ground.

See that every plant which is not quite hardy is well protected from frost.

Shake off any snow which may be lying on the branches of fir trees, etc.

In mild weather digging may be done.

If it has not already been done cut back all deciduous trees, such as chestnuts, limes and sycamores.

Prune all except the tender fruit trees, cutting back weak shoots hard, and strong ones little.

Sow early peas on a warm border.

Do not transplant this month.

Start covering rhubarb with pots or boxes for forcing, and surround them with manure.

Paths may be relaid with gravel.

The erection of arches, trellis work, or any alteration of this sort may be attended to.

Keep all plants under glass clear of decaying leaves and anything likely to cause mouldiness.

Raise temperature of greenhouses as the days become lighter.

FEBRUARY.

_Average Temperature 39._

Begin sowing hardy annuals outside in a sheltered position.

Refrain from pruning rose-trees, or they will suffer later on.

New lawns can be made now, though Autumn is the best time.

See that all trees are securely staked and shoots of wall climbers well nailed in before the winds of March come.

Prune remaining fruit trees.

Seeds of broad beans, peas, carrots, onions, beetroot, parsley, lettuce, etc., can now be sown, though the largest sowing should be made next month.

Plants under glass must have more air and more water as they begin to grow quickly.

Ventilate carefully and close all the houses before sunset.

Give manure to fruit trees.

Look over fuchsias, dahlias, etc.; cut back and place in gentle warmth.

MARCH.

_Average Temperature 41._

Hardy perennials may be planted.

Prune hardy rose trees.

Sow the bulk of flowering annuals.

Cut back ivy during last week.

Free the lawn of plantains and sow grass-seed on bare patches.

Renew or fill up box edgings.

Hoe beds and borders frequently to keep down weeds.

Rose trees may be planted, though Autumn is the best time.

See that bedding plants in frames have plenty of water.

Clear out all dead plants and give a general tidy-up to the greenhouse.

Give plenty of air from top-lights to glasshouses.

Plant out Jerusalem artichokes.

Sow seeds of vegetables of all kinds.

Pick up gravel paths, and give another layer if necessary.

Protect anything newly planted from rough winds.

Mulch bush fruit trees.

APRIL.

_Average Temperature 46._

Make last sowing of annuals and thin out those appearing above ground.

Fill up gaps in the flower border.

Plant out dahlias.

Prune tea-roses during first week.

If rather dry weather ensues keep rockery and all Spring-flowering plants well-watered.

Beds must be prepared for the tender plants put out next month by turning the soil well over and thus pulverizing it.

Protect tender fruit trees from late frosts.

Sow seeds of vegetables for succession.

If the weather is hot, shading can be put on greenhouses.

Bedding plants must be gradually hardened off by giving plenty of air.

Mow and roll lawn frequently.

Plant out potato tubers.

Edgings can be planted or filled up.

MAY.

_Average Temperature 53._

Keep a sharp look-out for insects.

Commence bedding out this month and continue all through, reserving tender things such as coleus till the last.

Hoe well between annuals and keep them well watered.

Carefully train the various climbers or they will grow into an inextricable mass.

Fill vases and baskets.

Clip evergreen hedges as this makes them break out at the bottom.

Put some strawy manure between the rows of strawberries and keep well watered.

Sow vegetable seeds for succession.

Plant out gourds, marrows, etc.

If the weather is hot keep everything well watered.

Transplant violets to their cool Summer quarters.

Syringe frequently under glass.

JUNE.

_Average Temperature 59._

If the garden is not altogether dependent on bedding plants it ought to be looking its freshest and best.

See that everything has enough water.

Continue to thin out flowering annuals as they increase in size.

Carefully stake larkspurs, carnations, etc.

If the leaves of Spring bulbs have turned quite yellow, cut them off, but not before.

Give copious supplies of water to all wall plants as a slight shower of rain scarcely touches them.

Give occasional doses of manure to rose trees, and pick off all faded flowers.

Water rockeries.

Stake runner beans.

Sow late broccoli.

Sow more lettuce.

Water peaches, apricots, etc., copiously.

Mulch all fruit trees.

Protect cherries from birds.

Draw earth up round potatoes.

Water marrows well and often with liquid manure.

Early this month plant out tomatoes on a south or west wall.

Keep greenhouses well ventilated both day and night.

Harden off azaleas before being set outside next month.

Most plants under glass will want watering twice a day or they must stand in a saucer of water.

JULY.

_Average Temperature 62._

Look out for rose suckers and cut them off.

Syringe rose trees.

Mulch those going out of flower to induce them to make fresh buds.

Keep faded flowers picked off.

Commence propagating carnations.

Take note of gaps in the flower beds and fill up from the nursery garden.

Place azaleas, heaths, etc., outside in a shady place to rest awhile.

Pansies which are blooming well on cool borders should have weak solutions of guano water afforded them.

Cut down faded spikes of larkspur and mulch and water well.

This month bedding plants are valuable as July is not a good month for herbaceous perennials.

Stake the later runner beans.

Plant out celery.

Sow more turnip seed.

Syringe both wall fruit and standards.

Make new plantations of strawberries.

Water lawn every day if possible.

Thin out the superfluous wood of fig trees and shorten gross shoots on all fruit trees.

Keep everything well watered under glass.

Give air all night to greenhouses.

Tie up climbers to roof neatly and frequently syringe.

Damp down several times daily.

AUGUST.

_Average Temperature 61._

Take pansy cuttings.

Stake dahlias, phloxes, etc.

Keep soil from caking by constant hoeing.

Take cuttings of geraniums, fuchsias, etc., and strike them out of doors.

Give copious supplies of water to rose trees and syringe foliage often.

Cuttings of rose trees may be inserted now on a cool border.

Rockeries must be constantly watered.

Disentangle shoots of climbing plants and tie back artistically.

Water lawn daily and do not cut too low.

Cuttings of most plants may be taken now and inserted in a shady border with every chance of success.

Cut down old raspberry canes to make way for the new.

Protect fruit from wasps and other insects.

Pinch off the tops of runner beans.

Earth up celery and put out more young plants.

Remove leaves which obstruct light on wall-peaches, apricots, etc.

Syringe frequently.

Give air day and night to greenhouses.

Give constant supplies of liquid manure to chrysanthemums.

Cut back climbing plants on the roof.

SEPTEMBER.

_Average Temperature 57._

Begin planting spring bulbs.

Continue to take cuttings of bedding plants, but insert in frames now.

Leave off giving outside plants stimulants.

Sow hardy annuals to flower next Spring.

Plant out rooted layers of carnations.

Thin dahlia shoots and give plenty of water.

Remove rose suckers.

Pluck apples and pears as soon as ripe, and put on dry shelves to keep. The fruit should not touch.

Prepare ground for new plantations.

On hot days fruit trees can still be syringed to keep down insects.

Plant out cabbages, sprouts, etc., from the seed bed.

Earth up celery.

Dig up and store potatoes.

Towards the middle of the month remove greenhouse shading.

Thin out climbers on roof again.

Save for chrysanthemums guano is little needed now.

Tender plants outside should be housed at the end of the month.

Pot up freesias.

Damp down less often and reduce the amount of air supplied.

Ferns which were not repotted in the Spring can be done now.

OCTOBER.

_Average Temperature 50._

Plant Spring bulbs and the madonna lily.

Take up all bedding plants and house carefully.

Fill the beds with polyanthus, wallflower, forget-me-not and other early flowers.

This is a good month for planting most things.

Begin putting in shrubs.

Thin out annuals sown last month.

Cut back climbing plants.

Keep hardy chrysanthemums well staked.

Alterations can now proceed.

Continue to pick pears and apples, and go over them daily to pick out mouldy ones.

Commence planting fruit trees.

Raspberry plantations should now be made.

Mulch strawberry beds after forking lightly between the rows.

Sow early peas in sheltered situations.

Store potatoes, carrots, parsnips, etc.

Give liquid manure to chrysanthemums under glass.

Ventilate carefully and do not damp down.

Bring September planted bulbs to the light as soon as they appear above ground.

NOVEMBER.

_Average Temperature 43._

Plant rose trees.

Mulch every rose tree in the garden.

Continue planting hardy perennials.

Cut down all dead stalks of dahlias, sunflowers, phloxes, etc.

Finish planting bulbs.

Roll lawn frequently.

New ones can now be made.

Continually tidy up the garden.

Finish planting shrubs.

Protect fig-trees by mulching and cut back some of the over-luxuriant shoots.

Plant fruit trees of all kinds.

Trench ground not in use that the rain and frost may sweeten it.

Prune currants and gooseberries.

Hoe frequently between rows of cauliflower and cabbage.

Celery must be earthed up higher.

Any alterations that may be in hand should be completed this month.

See that oil-lamp and other heating apparatus is in good order.

Look over cuttings of geraniums, etc., and remove all decayed leaves, which should be burnt.

Ventilate all glass houses much less, especially during fogs.

DECEMBER.

_Average Temperature 39._

Give a final glance to tender plants to see that they are well protected.

Cut down faded stalks of hardy chrysanthemums.

Place hand-lights over Christmas roses.

This is a good time for writing new labels, preparing stakes, and making plans for the following summer.

Roll gravel walks, and if mossy sprinkle with salt.

Planting of fruit trees may continue if the weather be mild.

Thin out gross wood to allow the air to circulate.

Wheel manure on to the ground in frosty weather.

Prepare vegetable seeds for sowing, by separating them from the husk, drying, labelling and sorting them.

Earth up greens of all kinds with the hoe.

In glasshouses avoid too much moisture at this dead season of the year.

Only ventilate in mild, calm weather.

Keep everything scrupulously clean.

Give as much light as possible to growing things.

Plants at rest should be kept dark.

INDEX

Aspect, Influence of, on plants, 67

Conservatory, the-- Cactus plants for, 26 Hanging plants in, 26 How to stage, 25 Plants suitable for hanging baskets, 26

Enemies of the garden-- Earwigs, to get rid of, 45 Mice, to get rid of, 45 Slugs, to get rid of, 44 Wireworms, to get rid of, 45

Flowers-- Annuals, 76 Biennials, 78 Colours for day and evening use, 84 Natural and forced procurable each month, 86 To pack for post, 84

Fruit, want of flavour in, 72

Gardens, small-- Be original in planting, 17 Beds and bedding, hints for, 14 Border soil for, 16 Breaking up the straight appearance of, 11 Description of a small and lovely garden, 17 Duty of making experiments in, 17 Eye for colour needed in, 15 Fruit for, 70 General arrangement of, 9 How not to plant, 12 Lawns, to keep in order, 13 Little things that tell in, 12 Making the most of land, 15 Ornamental and useful, 73 Paths of, to keep in order, 14 Stone fruit for, 71 The Dell at Chertsey, 18 To begin well, 9 Walks, the, 10

Gardening Hints-- Art of buying plants, the, 98 Cut off dead flowers, 98 Labelling, 97 Manures, 97 Tidiness, 99

Glossary of terms used by Gardeners, 7

Greenhouses-- Advantages of, over conservatories, 27 Artificial heat for, 27 Climbers in, 26 Houseleeks, 54 Storing plants in, 28 The joys of, 10 To manage, 26

Lopping one's neighbour's trees. A vexed question, 11

Monthly Hints for Gardeners-- January, 101 February, 102 March, 103 April, 104 May, 105 June, 106 July, 107 August, 108 September, 109 October, 110 November, 111 December, 112

Planting, the art of, 66

Plants that are neglected but handsome-- Asters, 20 Campanulas, 21 Cape Gooseberry, 23 Christmas roses, 22 Columbines, 20 Coreopsis grandiflora, 21 Delphiniums (larkspurs), 21 Erigerons, 22 Funkias, 22 Heuchera sanguinea, 22 Jacob's ladder, 23 Lobelia fulgens, 22 Lychnis Chalcedonica, 22 Penstemons, 22 Pink flowered anemone japonica, 20 Potentillas, 23 Saxifrages, 23 Tradescantias & Trollius, 24 Violas, 24

Propagation of plants. By careful division, 88 By layering, 90 By cuttings, 89 By seed, 89

Room Plants-- When to buy, 96 Correct way of watering, 92 For dark corners, 92 Good for two-thirds of the year, 96 Hare's-foot ferns, 94 To keep them well balanced, 94 Leggy plants and what to do for, 93 Management of, 91 Palms, 91

Rockery, The-- Apennine gems for, 48 Bulbs for, 56 Hints for the construction of, 47 Rock roses, 50 Suitable plants for, 48

Roses-- Bush roses of H.P. type, 38 Climbers for cool walls, 37 Dwarf teas, 41 Good climbers for warm walls, 36 Hedges of, 41 Pillar, 40 Pruning, 38, 43 Tea, 35 Time to plant, 43

Shelter for plants, 67

Shrubs-- Ceanothus, The delicate, 64 Good all round, 62 Lilacs grafted, 64 St. John's Wort, 59 Winter shrubbery, 64

Summer-houses-- Fragrant odours for, 33 How to cover, 32 Position of, 34

Table, Decoration-- Hints on, 83 Maidenhair, To make it last, 84 Simplicity in, 85 Stem-splitting, 83

Time for everything in gardening, A 69

Tool-sheds, Well stocked, 29

Trees-- Bank under, 60 Good plants for growing beneath, 58

Vegetables for small gardens, 73

Window Boxes-- Flowers for cold aspects, 81 Flowers for warm aspects, 82 How to make, 79 Pretty trailers for, 82 Showy flowers for winter, 80

[Sidenote: Garden Seeds and Bulbs]

AMATEUR GARDENERS and others should apply for our CATALOGUE before ordering elsewhere.

A. C. TAYLOR, Ltd., Seedsmen and Bulb Importers, 28, ELECTRIC AVENUE, BRIXTON, LONDON, S.W.

The Choicest BULBS AND SEEDS at moderate prices. Catalogues gratis (issued in January and August).

[Sidenote: Fencing]

BAYLISS. JONES & BAYLISS WOLVERHAMPTON. LONDON SHOW ROOMS:-- 139-141 CANNON ST E.C.

CATALOGUES FREE

MAKERS OF ALL KINDS OF IRON & WIRE FENCING, RAILING, ETC.

GALVd. WIRE NETTING.

Averages 20 per cent. Cheaper than Ordinary.

Lists free.

IRON BARROWS.

GATES.

_Low Prices._

TREE GUARDS.

IRON AND WIRE ESPALIER, &c.

AMUSING AND USEFUL BOOKS

THE CONFESSIONS OF A POACHER

By J. CONNELL. With Illustrations by F. T. DADD. Crown 8vo. Price 3s. 6d.

These confessions are unique as being the actual experiences of a living poacher. The book is interesting as well as amusing, and one cannot but admire the ingenious though illegitimate means of gaining a subsistence.

THE NEW MASTER

By ARNOLD GOLSWORTHY, Author of "Hands in the Darkness." Cr. 8vo, cloth. Price 3s. 6d. With Illustrations by TOM BROWNE. Second Edition.

Mr. GOLSWORTHY is possessed of a keen sense of humour, and he relates the trials of a new master in a boys' school with such drollery, that the result is a story full of ludicrous situations, and brimming with fun from cover to cover.

DOMESTIC DITTIES

With Words and Music by A. S. SCOTT-GATTY, and profusely Illustrated by A. T. S. SCOTT-GATTY. Crown 4to. Price 3s. 6d. [_In the press._

THE LIFE OF LORD KITCHENER

By HORACE G. GROSER, Author of "The Life of Lord Roberts," &c. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 2s. 6d. [_Ready shortly._

HOW TO TAKE AND FAKE PHOTOGRAPHS

By CLIVE HOLLAND. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 1s. [_Ready._

Some of the Chapters contained are on Cameras--Plates and Films--The Selection of Subjects--Exposure and Development--Intensification-- Reduction--Retouching--Spotting, &c.--Printing Processes--Mounts-- Final Hints.

SMALL GARDENS, AND HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM

By VIOLET BIDDLE. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 1s. [_Ready._

This is essentially a book for amateurs, written from an amateur's point of view; the directions are clear and lucid, with a due regard to the pocket and want of experience of the would-be horticulturist.

TIPS FOR HOUSEKEEPERS

Including an illustrated section on the folding of Serviettes. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 1s. [_In the press._

This should prove a very useful book to all housekeepers. The tips it contains are really valuable, and are grouped under the different branches of domestic work.

HEADS, AND HOW TO READ THEM

A Popular Guide to Phrenology in Everyday Life. By STACKPOOL E. O'DELL. Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 1s. [_In the press._

The author has made this the study of his life, and is therefore an authority on the subject. Technical terms have been avoided as much as possible so as to render the book intelligible to all.

Wooings and Weddings in Many Climes

By Louise Jordan Miln

Author of "When We Were Strolling Players in the East," &c.

With 48 Full-page Illustrations. Demy 8vo.

Price 16s.

"Fascinating text.... Fascinating pictures."--_Pall Mall Gazette._

"A most attractive and sumptuously got-up volume, brightly written, and enriched with numerous photographs.... A charming gift-book."--_Daily News._

"Full of charm as of information, and is plentifully and beautifully illustrated from photographs."--_Scotsman._

"Should prove as popular with the single as with the wedded, written with such sympathy, humour, and with such a sense of the goodness and joy of life that the veriest sceptic of wedded bliss must acknowledge the unfailing charm of her discourse."--_Lady's Pictorial._

"A beautiful volume and an interesting work."--_Glasgow Herald._

The North American Indians of To-day

By George Bird Grinnell, Ph.D.

Author of "Pawnee Hero Stories and Folk Tales," &c.

Illustrated with 55 Full-page Portraits of Living Indians.

Demy 4to, bound in art canvas.

Price L1, 1s. net.

"We cannot be sufficiently grateful to Mr. Grinnell for having decided to publish his book.... A real contribution to ethnography. As to the actual life of the Red Man of to-day, we must refer our readers to the volume itself."--_Daily Chronicle._

_13th Thousand_

The Private Life of Queen Victoria

By One of Her Majesty's Servants

With numerous Illustrations.

Crown 8vo, cloth.

Price 2s. 6d. post free.

"It gives a charming sketch of Her Majesty as the mistress of her own household and as the head of her large family."--_Pall Mall Gazette._

Fun on the Billiard Table

A Collection of 75 Amusing Tricks and Games, with Photographs and Diagrams

By "Stancliffe"

Crown 8vo

Post free, 2s. 6d.

TRICK WITH MATCHBOXES

Get two outside covers of any sort of the ordinary matchboxes, large size. Place them on the billiard table with a ball on each. Put a third ball in a line with a pocket and the two other balls as in diagram.

Play a hard shot with the ball on the table into the pocket through the matchboxes, which should fly off the table, and the two balls will occupy the places where the matchboxes stood.

The above is an example of one of the seventy-five tricks contained in the book.

"To say that no billiard-room should be without this joyous and ingenious little volume is nothing: there is no player, amateur or professional, who would not get his moneysworth out of it."--_Sportsman._

THIRD LARGE EDITION

Besieged with Baden-Powell

A Complete Record of the Siege of Mafeking

By J. Emerson Neilly

Special War Correspondent of the "Pall Mall Gazette" in Mafeking

Crown 8vo

Price 1s. net; post free, 1s. 3d.

"Mr. Neilly tells admirably the thrilling story of the siege."--_Scotsman._

"As a realistic picture of how things actually happen, no less than as a worthy record of one of the most splendid incidents of our history, 'Besieged with B.-P.' is a notable work."--_Pall Mall Gazette._

Towards Pretoria

By Julian Ralph

A Record of the War to the Capture of Bloemfontein

Bound in Real Khaki and Scarlet

Price 6s.

"Brisk and graphic."--_Scotsman._

"Distinctly one of the war books to be read."--_Literature._

"Cannot fail to be popular."--_Echo._

"Mr. Ralph as a descriptive writer is amongst the first of the day."--_Sheffield Independent._

C. Arthur Pearson, Henrietta Street, W.C.

[Sidenote: Lawn Mowers.]

RANSOMES' LAWN MOWERS. THE BEST IN THE WORLD. _Improvements possessed by no other Maker's Machines:--_

New Patent Double Angle Cutters. New Patent Ribbed Driving Rollers. New Patent Adjustable Front Rollers.

All Mowers sent on a Month's Trial Carriage Paid.

RANSOMES' "PATENT" AUTOMATON, WITH CHAIN OR WHEEL GEARING.

The "Patent" Automaton Lawn Mowers are without a rival in design, mechanical construction, excellence of materials, workmanship, finish, durability, and lightness of draught. By close and frequent cutting these machines will produce a rich velvety surface. The knives are driven by accurate machine-made gearing, which works very smoothly and quietly, and is completely covered to exclude dirt. =Made in Nine Sizes, 8 in. to 24 in. wide.=

RANSOMES' "ANGLO-PARIS" MOWERS. THE BEST LIGHT MACHINES.

The "Anglo-Paris" Lawn Mowers are suitable for small Gardens, and for Ladies' and Amateurs' use; have perfect adjustment, and can be used with or without a Grass Box. =Made in Eight Sizes, 6 in. to 20 in. wide.=

RANSOMES' "LION" MOWERS. THE BEST CHEAP MACHINES.

Introduced to meet the demand for a very low-priced Machine of reliable English workmanship. =9 in., 11 in., 13 in., and 15 in.=

RANSOMES' "HORSE & PONY MOWERS." THE BEST LARGE MACHINES.

New Patterns; New Adjustments; New Patent Spring Handles; Double Angle Cutters. =Made in Six Sizes, 26 in. to 48 in. wide.=

_SUPPLIED PROMPTLY BY ALL IRONMONGERS._

CATALOGUES FREE ON APPLICATION TO RANSOMES, SIMS & JEFFERIES, LTD., IPSWICH.

[Sidenote: Dobbie's Guide]

DOBBIE'S CATALOGUE & COMPETITORS' GUIDE.--224 large quarto pages, beautifully Illustrated Lists of all Flower and Vegetable Seeds, with most valuable, cultural notes, times of sowing, colours, heights, &c.; also all the best flowering plants, including our world-famed Collections of Dahlias, Pansies, Violas, Early Flowering Chrysanthemums, Herbaceous Plants, Pentstemons, Pyrethrums, Roses, Fruit Trees, &c., &c. "Indispensable alike to amateur and professional gardeners." Copies per Parcel Post on receipt of Sixpence.

DOBBIE & CO., THE ROYAL SEEDSMEN, ROTHESAY.

[Sidenote: Alkan]

"ALKAN" cures in =One Minute= by Inhalation. The Effect is Marvellous.

The ONE MINUTE Cure For Headache, Neuralgia, Toothache, Neuralgia of the Ear. This simple and perfectly harmless remedy has cured instantaneously thousands suffering from the above complaints. Of all Chemists and Stores, prices =2/9= & =4/6= per bottle. Sent post paid to any part of the United Kingdom on receipt of price. Or of the Proprietors, =B. & G. ALKAN=, _General Depot_, 150, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.

[Sidenote: Vegetable and Flower Seeds]

SHILLING'S SEEDS ARE THE BEST FOR AMATEURS & GARDENERS Because they produce the finest Flowers and Vegetables.

CATALOGUE SENT GRATIS AND POST FREE.

C. R. SHILLING, Seedsman, WINCHFIELD, HANTS.

A PRESENT PRECAUTION MAY SAVE YOU GREAT FUTURE TROUBLE.

Work in the Garden is Pleasant Work, But it is Hard Work, and every invention to lessen labour is an advantage!

WITH THE "GNU"

WEEDING FORK

FLOWER BEDS, &c. may be kept in perfect order with a minimum of Labour.

The Prongs being very close together it loosens the soil and removes weeds better and quicker than by hand.

No Stooping or Soiled Hands.

Price complete, with 3ft. handle, =1/3 each.=

DAISY FORK

Such unsightly WEEDS as DAISIES and PLANTAINS can be COMPLETELY REMOVED from LAWNS, TENNIS COURTS, &c., QUICKER and BETTER than by any other method.

Having 3 prongs, close together, and a strong lever, the ENTIRE Root is removed without exertion or without disturbing the surrounding grass.

Price complete with 3ft handle, =1/6 each.=

Manufactured solely by J. LYTLE, 3 BARTON ROAD, WALTON, LIVERPOOL.

Transcriber's Notes:

Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_.

Passages in bold are indicated by =bold=.

Punctuation has been corrected without note.

Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained from the original.