144 THE FLOEAL WOELD AND GAEDEN GUIDE. 



like the slating of a house. The slates oq a roof are laid so that 

 each one covers the edges of the two immediately beneath it, and 

 that is exactly how the florets of a dahlia should be. You should 

 also not be able to see the under side of them, even if the bloom is 

 held sideways. In a reflexed flower, the florets are turned back, so 

 that the centre is thrown up. Many are cupped so much that it 

 leaves quite a hole in the centre ; but what we want is a floret 

 almost straight, and just sufficiently cupped to form a good flower ; 

 and then, even if held sideways, you cannot see the under side of 

 the florets. A flower should be two-thirds of a ball, and every floret 

 should cover the edges of the two underneath. The size of the 

 flower should be four inches, and never more than six. I think four 

 inches quite large enough, as many which run to six inches in dia- 

 meter are badly formed and coarse in texture. 



CULTIVATION OF THE PANSY. 



ET ATT EXHIBITII^'G A^HATEUR. 



AYINGr been a grower many years, and a successful 

 exhibitor, I think that without presumption I may give 

 some of the results of my experience for the benefit of 

 those who may require it. Before going further, I would 

 have the novice in the culture of the pansy to understand 

 that a person may be a very successful grower, and yet be very 

 unsuccessful as a competitor. The plants may be ever so well grown, 

 but it requires one who thoroughly understands the properties of the 

 flower to make up a stand for competition ; there is also a great 

 knack in laying down a bloom ; it must be kept in mind that they 

 stand very "little handling, and that only of the most gentle descrip- 

 tion. The beginner should therefore direct his attention to both the 

 culture and the markings or properties of the flower. 



To grow pansies in the open border, a piece of ground should be 

 selected well sheltered from high winds, but at the same time quite 

 open to the sun and air. If a crop of potatoes has just been taken 

 off, so much the better ; if the ground has been manured for the 

 previous crop, it will require nothing but digging ; if not, a little 

 rotted turf or very old stable manure should be added. The pansies 

 should be planted in rows, about one foot apart, and from eight to 

 ten inches apart in the rows. The end of September or beginning of 

 October is the proper time for planting to bloom in May or June ; 

 for the autumn exhibitions, they will require to be planted in April 

 or May, or even later, according to the climate or exposure. Just 

 before beginning to bloom, a top-dressing of leaf-mould or very old 

 manure will be beneficial ; liquid manure, especially if the least too 

 strong, is apt to cause the colours to run, and the blooms to come 

 flabby and rough-edged. 



Cuttings should be struck whenever they can be got. Side- 



