564 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



The only successful means of propagating these plants is by seeds. 

 Division of the root-stock has been recommended, and may be prac- 

 tised, but the result is bad ; solid corms, like those of Cyclamen, when 

 divided, never produce vigorous healthy plants. The seeds, if early 

 ripened, may, in the southern parts of the country, be sown at once 

 thinly in shallow pans, and placed on a spent hotbed, cold frame, or 

 on the shelf of a greenhouse near the glass, attending projoerly to 

 watering, and, after the plants appear, to shading from direct sunlight. 

 In the north, however, where the season is short and the ripening of 

 the seeds later, it is better to defer sowing till February or March. 

 About that time a mild hotbed should be in readiness to receive them, 

 in which the temperature should range not higher than 60°, nor lower 

 than 50°, but be kept pretty steadily between the two. The compost 

 in which to sow is of some importance, as the plants will remain in it 

 undisturbed for the next seven or eight months ; and as a vigorous 

 infancy lays the foundation for a successful maturity, a little pains at 

 this first stage will prevent after-disappointment. Equal parts fibrous 

 loam and peat, and about a fourth part of two or three year old sheep 

 or cow dung, with a very liberal allowance of sharp sand, form a com- 

 post in which Cyclamens delight. The whole must be carefully mixed, 

 and for the seed-pans should be passed through a |-inch sieve once or 

 twice, and a small portion for the purpose of covering should be sifted 

 finer ; but for established plants, the compost need not be sifted, but 

 merely rubbed, and mixed carefully with the hands. Sow, as before 

 said, thinly in shallow well-drained pans, cover lightly, but completely, 

 and place in the hot-bed. Till the plants appear the temperature of 

 the frame is best kept moderately close, and shading should be used 

 to prevent sudden drying of the surface of the soil by the sun; but 

 when the plants are fairly visible more air will be necessary in order 

 to induce vigorous growth : sudden fluctuations of temperature must, 

 however, be guarded against by all means till the weather becomes less 

 variable and the plants acquire greater strength. From first to last, 

 during the growing period, shade from bright direct sunshine is of the 

 utmost importance to the wellbeing of Cyclamens, whether seedling 

 or established ; and careful attention to this item, in the treatment of 

 seedlings especially, cannot be too strongly inculcated. Up till the end 

 of August everything should be done to stimulate rapid and vigorous 

 growth. Admit morning and afternoon sun, and, according to the 

 condition of the external temperature, a free allowance of air early in 

 the day, but shut up with a little extra warmth in the afternoon, re- 

 opening the lights again a little at night throughout the three summer 

 months ; and attend carefully to watering and cleanliness. By the last 

 w^eek in August, the plants under this treatment will have made con- 



