156 THE FLORIST. 



has from five to six good crowns, when they are removed to the pits, 

 and bloom as freely as the centre one. 



I grow my plants in brick pits (not heated), from which I have the 

 mould taken out and well turned several times during the summer. In 

 this way I have used the same mould for years with very little addition. 

 I refill the pits about the middle of September, allowing the soil time 

 to settle. I then lift the plants very carefully with a fork, with good 

 balls adhering to them, being careful of both roots and side crowns. I 

 then plant them in the pits about six inches from the glass, allowing 

 the plants to be just clear of each other, and taking care always to have 

 the soil in the pit moderately dry when the plants are put into it. I 

 then water with weak manure water to settle the mould, which I moisten 

 well to the base of the roots, but not so as to sodden the soil. I keep 

 the plants fully exposed until frosty nights occur, when I cover up with 

 mats, &c, according to the severity of the weather. I give air on every 

 favourable occasion. As the plants are subject to damp, they must be 

 well looked after, and all decayed leaves removed as soon as they make 

 their appearance. 



I stir the soil frequently during winter with a small stick, as it dries 

 it, and helps to prevent damp. During sharp weather, if the- plants get 

 frozen, I never uncover till they are thawed, but give air with the mats 

 on, and I have never known them to take harm. The plan I pursue 

 is that which my father followed before me for 21 years with perfect 

 success; and during 14 years my practice has been equally satisfactory. 

 My pit holds about 160 plants. 



James Shrimpton, 

 Gardener to A. J. Doxat, Esq., Putney Heath. 



CULTURE OP THE ANEMONE. 



TnE cultivation of this beautiful spring flower approaches closely to 

 that of the Ranunculus. If grown as an ordinary garden plant, 

 seedlings will be found the most desirable, as they will ultimately 

 prove of the least trouble, and most certain to produce an abundance of 

 bloom — the only drawback being a deficiency of double flowers, which, 

 in my opinion, is more than made up by the greater certainty, and 

 immense supply of bloom. The named double varieties require more 

 attention. The soil should be prepared with some degree of care, both 

 as regards the quality and proper preparation before planting. A fresh 

 rich loamy soil, inclined to a sandy quality, is the best suited for the 

 purpose. The bed should be dug full eighteen inches deep, being 

 frequently turned, that it may be thoroughly sweet and fit to receive 

 the roots. This is a most important point, and should be particularly 

 attended to ; for if the soil is not in proper condition, a failure will 

 surely be the consequence. It is far better to defer planting for a 

 week, or even a fortnight, than risk planting in unsuitable soil. When 

 the latter is in a proper state for use, it should be levelled, and about 

 five or six inches being thrown off the top, add a layer of decomposed 



