210 FLORA HISTORICA. 



size of the garden and number of plants will admit, 

 reserving the finest varieties for potting. The pots 

 recommended by Emmerson for large blooming 

 plants are those of about eight inches high, five 

 and a half diameter at the top, and four and a half 

 at the bottom, outside measure. 



Maddock recommends the Auricula to be potted 

 immediately after the bloom is over, and re-potted 

 every year, to invigorate the plants by fresh earth. 

 The Auricula is by no means a tender plant, and 

 it loves a free air, rather cold than warm ; yet it is 

 advisable to secure those in pots from severe frost, 

 and a shed open to the north or east is preferable 

 for blowing them, than either a south or west 

 aspect ; but, as a winter repository, they should 

 have the advantage of a south aspect, and be kept 

 very dry during the months of November, Decem- 

 ber, and January, as in case of frost the weather 

 has less power on the roots. In February it is ad- 

 visable to top-dress the pots with fresh compost, 

 and when the season is mild, to allow them to 

 receive gentle showers : during the time of flower- 

 ing, the pots should be moderately watered two or 

 three times a week. 



Every admirer of these flowers should endeavour 

 to raise new varieties from seed, which should be 

 preserved from the strongest plants of the hand- 

 somest kinds, and be kept separate from inferior 



