64: THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOIST, 



[ March, 



one ofif, but instead of throwing it away, I put it in as a cutting by tlie side of 

 the pot, and much to my surprise it threw up young growth from the base, which 

 growth by the end of the season was nearly equal to that from the uninjured 

 bulbs. Following up this hint, I now systematically break off the tops of all, 

 and without further preparation they are planted as cuttings in a mixture of 

 loam, leaf-mould, and sand. This I do at the beginning of March, at the time of 

 repotting the old plants, afterwards giving both plants and cuttings the same 

 treatment. Thus the stock can be nearly doubled annually, and by the simplest 

 means one of the finest winter-blooming plants can be made amenable to ordinary 

 means and treatment. — J. W. Laurence, Farnhcnn Castle^ Surrey. 



WHY HAS THE AURICULA DECLINED IN POPULAR 



FAVOUR? 



HE Auricula, once the most popular flower in cultivation, seems at this time 

 to be one of the most neglected. There are doubtless reasons for this 

 falling-off. Within my recollection Lancashire and Yorkshire alone could 

 boast of having scores of growers and exhibitors of the Auricula, along 

 with the Polyanthus — which seems also to have almost disappeared. From about 

 1830 up to 1850 I could count upon from 50 to 60 cultivators of the Auricula 

 and Polyanthus in the West Eiding of Yorkshire alone ; and in the East of 

 Lancashire I could reckon upon quite as large a number. At the present time I 

 don't suppose that more than a dozen growers could be found, and none of these 

 have the plants in stock as we used to see them then. The chief reason for this 

 decline is, I believe, that with the exception of some two or three individuals, all 

 the florists of the old school have gone hence, and they have not indoctrinated 

 others to take their places ; and strange to say, the plants must have died off 

 with their owners, for there are but very few to be found in those quarters 

 where they were once so plentiful. It may be somewhat different in other parts 

 of the country, but I scarcely think it is so. In the Midlands there is scarcely a 

 grower to be found, and if we go further south, to London and its envu-ons, where 

 there used 40 years ago to be a dozen growers and exhibitors, we find that there 

 is scarcely one now. 



If we turn to the North it is different. In Scotland the florist spirit seems 

 more retentive of life, and I believe the Auricula is at present the first favourite 

 amongst popular flowers, standing high, both as regards its culture and in 

 respect to the art of seedling-raising. Within the last few years, two or three 

 Scottish florists with whom I am acquainted, have obtained some good seedlings, 

 which in time will take their place among the best old standard varieties — which 

 is much needed. From the pains necessary to be taken, the raising of seedling 

 Auriculas is a slow and tedious process, so that those who engage in it must have 

 the matter thoroughly at heart, and unless proper and diligent care be taken in 

 procuring the seed, in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, the time and 

 labour will have been thrown away. Indeed, whatever choice flower we may 



