93 



THE AURICULA. 



The following is my method of cultivating the Auricula, which for 

 years has obtained my greatest regard. 



As it is of the utmost importance in the cultivation of this beau- 

 tiful and delicate flower that it be provided with an appropriate and 

 secure habitation, I will first describe the frames I use in its cultiva- 

 tion: these frames are built of inch and a quarter deal; they are five 

 feet long and three feet six inches from back to front; the height of 

 the back is three feet, and of the front one foot six inches, the front 

 being formed of two nine-inch boards, the bottom one being a fixture, 

 and the top one letting down on hinges. This plan admits of a free 

 circulation of air in rainy weather without any injury to the bloom, 

 which frequently happens when the sash is tilted. 



The sash should extend over the frame a few inches in front, to 

 carry off drippings to a distance ; it is hung on hinges at the back, 

 and when lifted up, supported by an upright fixed on each end of the 

 frame, through which holes are bored, and pegs passed at any re- 

 quired distance; in the inside of the frame there is a stage of strong 

 slabs, supported by bearers fixed on each side of the frame, at some 

 distance from the bottom, on which my pots stand ; this keeps them 

 free from worms, and allows all superfluous moisture to drain from 

 them after watering. 



I would here state, that I prefer a shutter to each frame for keep- 

 ing out frost, as it is not liable to be blown off by winds, or become 

 rotten with snow and rain. 



These frames, which I hope I have intelligibly described, answer 

 the purpose very well ; but the aim of the true amateur of this lovely 

 flower should be a small house, constructed upon a principle suited 

 to its nature, and which the amateur can enter to view and attend his 

 favourites, securing at the same time himself and progeny from the 

 frequent inconveniences of wind and rain. 



The next point to be considered is the pot; and as this plant 

 requires a good drainage, it should be of sufficient depth to allow for 

 this; therefore I use for my strong-blooming plants that kind of pot 

 in which Hyacinths are grown. 



The soil which I have found the Auricula to thrive and colour 

 well in is about one half old hotbed manure and one half sound 

 fibrous loam, well turned over and frozen through before being used. 

 I have found it much preferable to employ charcoal or wood-ashes in 

 the compost instead of sand ; they keep the soil open equally, and 

 therefore sweet, and they also help to fertilise it. 



Situation and aspect are likewise of great importance; for if these 

 are not attended to, disappointment is sure to follow. East, or east 

 by south, is best for them, placing the frames on bricks in a situa- 

 tion that is dry. August is the time I begin to repot my plants, 

 putting in a good drainage of broken bones, which are preferable to 



