iSyi.] THE CYCLAMEN. 505 



them back upon the top of the wall ; and at all times when there might be some 

 danger from frost they were let down again and pinned as before. These nets 

 will be found to husband warmth considerably — at least they break the cold 

 winds in a great degree — and they admit much more light than a person would at 

 first imagine. 



To conclude these notes, I can only say that I know of no better covering for 

 wall-trees — excepting glass — than the hay-net ; and I should advise all those who 

 require to put up a temporary protection, and who have not ah-eady proved its 

 efficacy, to give the plan a trial. Robert Mackellar. 



Elvaston Castle Gardens. 



THE CYCLAMEIT. 



There is nothing better adapted for conservatory decoration, from the 

 present time till late in spring, than the Cyclamen. Some years ago 

 it was a badly-used plant, placed in out-of-the-way places, where, if it 

 bloomed, it was all very well — if not, it was a matter of indifference to 

 some gardeners. Fortunately, of late years it has begun to claim the 

 attention it so well deserves. A word or two in regard to the success- 

 ful cultivation of that class of plants may not be out of place to some 

 readers of ' The Gardener.' This is a good time to sow the first batch 

 of seed, and whichever strain the grower fancies, any respectable nursery- 

 man can get it for him. The seed must be sown regularly over a well- 

 crocked pot or seed-pan, covering it over with some nice free and rather 

 rich soil. "Water, and place on a shelf in the stove or the warmest 

 end of a greenhouse ; if they can be covered with a piece of glass 

 until they germinate so much the better. In about five weeks they 

 will be making their appearance ; as soon as the second leaf is up they 

 will be fit for handling. Pick out the strongest of them, having small 

 60's in readiness, well drained, and a compost made up of good loam, 

 old dung from a Mushroom-bed, and sand, in equal parts. Let the 

 little tubers be fairly covered in potting. AU that is required now is 

 to keep them growing. We consider them worthy of a frame them- 

 selves, therefore make up one entirely of leaves, having plenty at com- 

 mand. They must be attended to carefully with water, kept as near 

 the glass as possible, and syringed with a fine rose, when it can be 

 done with safety. About the beginning of July they will require 

 another shift to 48's, using the same kind of soil, only it will not 

 require to be so fine ; pot pretty firm ; and now is the time the grower 

 is interested in them. If kept near the glass the foliage is stout, and 

 beautifully marked. The earliest of them will be in bloom in less 

 than twelve months from the day they were sown. By sowing twice — 

 say October and December — you wiU have bloom all winter and spring. 

 They should never be allowed to dry down as they were years ago. 



