1873.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 357 



and mode of potting. For old plants, a rather rich compost of firm con- 

 sistency is requisite — viz., two parts firm well-reduced turfy loam, one part 

 equal proportions river-sand and leaf-mould, one part cow-droppings that have 

 been heaped up for a year under cover, with a liberal sprinkling of oyster- 

 shells finely pounded before being mingled with the other ingredients. Potting 

 Auriculas is rather a particular business, requiring some care in its performance. 

 First to be considered are the pots. They ought to be either 5 or 6 inches in 

 diameter, and they, as well as the crocks used for drainage, should be scrupu- 

 lously clean. Crock the pots by first placing a large piece over the hole at 

 bottom, over which a layer of lesser-sized crocks ; then cover these with oyster- 

 shells, next a thin layer of fibry turf, over which heap the compost in a mound 

 to within an inch of the rim of the pots ; assort the fibres of the plant 

 regularly over this mound, and rest the centre of the plant in the middle; 

 shake a handful of silver-sand among the roots, and proceed to fill the pot 

 with the compost, completing the operation by a few strokes on the bench and 

 smoothing the surface. Moreover, be satisfied that the plant is not sunk so 

 that its neck is below the rim, thereby subjecting the leaves to getting water 

 lodged amongst them when watering. Carefully water the plants, giving 

 enough to penetrate the entire body, and have them staged for the present in 

 their old quarters, shading with some light covering on sunny days, until it is 

 ascertained that the roots have taken to the soil ; but never exclude a free 

 circulation of air at any time. I need scarcely remark here that we suppose 

 the frame the plants are about to occuj^y is situated in an airy northern 

 aspect, where the sun's rays seldom reach. This is absolutely necessary to the 

 Auricula as summer quarters ; and furthermore, that the frames are furnished 

 with a stage at least 1 foot above the ground-level, on which the plants are 

 placed. 



What further remains to be said appertaining to old stools, in a cidtural 

 sense, may be comprehended in few words. Be careful not to over-water, 

 especially before the plants have re-established their roots in the fresh soil ; 

 guard against heavy showers of rain by having the glasses or other protection 

 above them, but on no consideration allow the frames to be closed day or 

 night. Be watchful of the common destroyer, black-rot, invading their ranks, 

 in, as is often the case, a quiet, imperceptible way, that takes the cultivation by 

 surprise ; prevent any chance of this by overhauling the plants now and then 

 with a sharp eye, to detect it before it does much damage. Continue thus 

 to attend them till the month of October, when they ought to be placed in the 

 winter-house, there to be tended in the same manner as the offsets in every 

 respect till early in March, the time to top-dress. 



Top-dressing is most essential to all those plants which are intended to 

 flower; and the mode of i:)erforming this is to remove about an inch of the sur- 

 face-soil, loosening it with great care to the roots. This soil is replaced 

 by an equal quantity of fresh compost, consisting of two parts old cow- 

 droppings. 



Hints 2'>'>'€parative to and after flowering. — It is necessary to wash any pots 

 that require it after the process of top-dressing, while all withered leaves must 

 also be removed ; then replace the plants in the frame, and supply each with 

 sufficient water to effectually wet their balls ; but should any of the plants 

 show signs of being sufficiently damp, allow those to become dry before giving 

 them any. 



Active growth is commenced by some sooner than others ; those should be en- 

 couraged by getting plenty of water, abundance of air, and a few gentle showers 



2b 



