THE FLOHAL WORLD 



AND 



GARDEN GUIDE. 



JULY, 1868. 



JSTOTES ON ATJEICULAS. 



BY JOHIf WALSH. 



N the years 1866 and 1867 I contributed to the Floeal 

 World some practical papers on this my favourite 

 flower, and at the solicitation of the Editor, with whom 

 the Auricula is an especial favourite, I now offer a few 

 rough notes for the benefit of amateurs who are pur- 

 chasing stock, aud for all who are not yet fully versed in the large 

 and attractive subject of auricula cultivation. 



The months of July and August are the best in the whole year 

 for the purchase of plants, as the recently potted oflsets will be 

 strong, and, of course., may be obtained cheaper than large flowering 

 plants. There is but one good way of purchasing, and that is to see 

 the plants first. They ought to be established in small pots, with a 

 tuft of nice healthy leaves, and not an aphis alive upon them. 

 Young plants are not, generally speaking, in a very promising state 

 this year, owing to the excessive heat, combined with a dry air, to 

 which they have been subjected. I have lately inspected the fine 

 collection at Slough, and am happy to say that our excellent friend 

 Mr. C. Turner has had his usual good luck, and has come through the 

 trial well, his stock being particularly clean and healthy. Those 

 who cannot see the plants before purchasing must depend upon the 

 dealer, and hope for the best. In the Eloral World of April, 

 1867, I gave a selection of the best varieties, which I confess I can- 

 not improve, for it includes everything desirable except the very 

 newest and most expensive kinds. I leave the reader to select, 

 therefore, from that or the " Garden Oracle," as they are both safe 

 guides. JSTo matter where or how the plants are obtained, they will 

 probably be in a somewhat starved condition, and it will be well to 

 give them a shift as soon as received, and place them in a shady 

 spot out of doors. In the paper just referred to I have recom- 

 mended a sound turfy loam, with a moderate allowance of sand, as 

 preferable to rich and stimulating mixtures, and this advice applies 

 especially to the use of plants newly purchased. Care must be 



TOL. III. — Is^O. YII. 13 



