FEBRUARY. 55 



failure. As a proof of this it may be mentioned, that for the last three 

 years the Caledonian Society has been in the habit of offering prizes 

 for '■ Pansies exhibited in eight-inch pots," and in spite of attempts 

 having been made by many in this Pansy-loving district, to produce 

 them in good order at the exhibitions, only one grower has as yet suc- 

 ceeded in bringing forward anything approaching to creditable produc- 

 tions. The prize is omitted in schedule for 1855, published by the 

 Society, in consequence, as I understand, of the three years' trial not 

 having been followed by any satisfactory competition. 



Although from this reason nothing else was to be expected, still the 

 exclusion is to be regretted, for, when well grown, at the early season 

 of the year at which they are to be had in perfection, they make a 

 valuable addition to an exhibition, and are found very useful as orna- 

 ments to the front shelf of a greenhouse. I am one of those who think 

 that, in every case where practicable, the plant should be exhibited with 

 the bloom. The point of habit of plant for decorative purposes is a 

 very important one, and we know that much disappointment is fre- 

 quently experienced by those who attend exhibitions (although not 

 themselves growers for exhibition) for the purpose of selecting from the 

 specimens shown those varieties which they may be desirous of adding 

 to their collection. It is superfluous, perhaps, to tell the Pansy-grower 

 that his favourite plant is not free at times from the charge of bad 

 habit, and that some varieties are more suited to the border than others ; 

 indeed it might almost be added, that some varieties which are esteemed 

 for exhibition purposes are not fit for the border at all. Exhibiting in 

 pots of course brings the habit to the test as well as the bloom. Many 

 have been misled in selecting their varieties of Pansies, and other flowers 

 which might be named, from the bloom alone. 



Much more might be said on this subject, but the object at the 

 present time is not that of advocating the exhibition of the Pansy in 

 pots, but that of giving those who are desirous of succeeding with them 

 in this way some hints, gathered from the experience of the grower to 

 whom I have alluded, who has succeeded with them, not only as bloom- 

 ing plants. for exhibition, but who also, from pots, has won a large 

 number of the prizes which have been offered for cut blooms. These 

 hints may not be required for the south, but many in the north are 

 readers of the Florist, who, if they will adhere to the mode of manage- 

 ment to be mentioned, will cease to find much further difficulty in 

 producing the desired result. 



First, then, as to soil. Upon this being of proper materials and 

 those in right condition, when mixed together, much of the after success 

 depends. Tlie soils to be used should be leaf mould, sandy loam, and 

 well-decomposed manure. The first mentioned is perhaps the most 

 important of the three ; and when in fit condition to form part of the 

 compost, will be found to be a very different material from that which 

 is made to serve the purpose. That which should be used is such as 

 has been prepared somewhat after the following manner. (I here give 

 the mode followed by the grower in question.) About the 1st of 

 January of each year, a bed is made up for the purpose of forcing 

 Rhubarb, composed of leaves which have been kept moderately dry up 



