==Stock, Spring-flowering.==—­A bed prepared under trees or shrubs will afford some shelter from winter frost.  Make it thoroughly rich, and in it plant the seedlings.  Should the growth be very rapid in September, the plants will probably become too succulent to endure the stress of winter.  If so, lift them and plant again on the same spot.

==Sweet Pea==.—­The modern culture of this delightful flower includes deep trenching and the liberal use of manure.  Those who intend to sow during September in the open must get the trenched ground into perfect order early in the present month.  The details are important and are fully described in the article commencing on page 303.

==September==

==Agapanthus== taxes the soil severely, and must have ample nourishment in pots.  It is also one of the thirstiest bulbs known, but is quite hardy, and will thrive in the open if planted in a deep rich loam at any time from September until March.

==Alstroemeria==.—­Although related to the Ixia, this bulb may be trusted to the open ground in all but the coldest districts of the country.  It is not suitable for pot culture, but in a dry border it may be allowed to remain undisturbed for years.  Plant quite nine inches deep.

==Amaryllis==.—­The proper time to commence operations with these superb flowers is during their season of rest, which ranges from September to March.  Pot them in firm loam, enriched with leaf-mould, and containing a fair proportion of sand.  Very little water is required until growth begins, and then it must be increased with the progress of the plant.  Start them by plunging the pots in a temperature of about 65 deg., and when they are coming into bloom, remove to a warm greenhouse or conservatory.  After the flowers have faded, allow the plants to complete their growth, and then slowly reduce them to a resting condition without permitting the bulbs at any time to become quite dry.

==Anemone==.—­The tuberous varieties are valuable as pot plants, not only for their flowers, but also for the distinctive character of the foliage.  The roots may be potted from now up to the end of the year, so that a succession of flowers can be easily insured.  When plunged in a pit or frame to preserve them from frost, watering is all the attention they will need, but of this there must be plenty, particularly when the plants begin to flower.  Pot the roots between one and two inches deep, in rich soil, and with the eyes upwards.  A large pot will accommodate several roots.

==Babiana==.—­Treat in the same manner as the Ixia.

==Begonia, Tuberous-rooted.==—­Lift the plants which are in the open ground, and pot them to complete their season in the greenhouse; but if they are not wanted for this purpose, they may remain in the beds until October.  When the stems fall, still retain the bulbs in their own pots, and store them in a dry cellar or shed, under a layer of cocoa-nut fibre.  They need protection from both damp and cold.  Neither hurry the drying off of the roots, nor attempt to force the growth in spring, but wait until they start naturally.