146 
THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 
AURANTIACEZ:. An order of trees or shrubs, in- 
eluding the Orange and Lemon trees. Flowers fragrant. 
Fruit fleshy, edible. Leaves alternate, articulated above 
the stem, filled with transparent oil cysts, giving them a 
dotted appearance. Well-known genera are Citrus and 
Limonia. 
AURICULA (Primula Auricula). This favourite spring 
flower (see Fig. 195) was, at one time, almost universally 
cultivated, but has of late years fallen into much neglect; 
it is now, however, happily regaining enthusiastic admirers, 
Although its culture is not nearly so difficult as is generally 
understood, a few special items of treatment are neverthe- 
less necessary to grow it successfully. 
Frames for the reception of Auriculas should be prepared, 
with a good bottom drainage, and an inside staging, similar 
to the back stage of a lean-to greenhouse, arranged as 
near the glass as possible. If the frames are about 4ft. 
wide, they will be very convenient; lft. deep in the 
front, and about 3ft. at the back. This will allow for a 
good stage arrangement. Of course, it is not necessary 
to construct an expensive staging, as common boards can 
be laid upon pots of various heights, the same results 
being practically secured. These frames should face north 
from May to October, and south in winter, during which 
latter time it will be necessary to well cover the sides 
with straw or brake. When frosty, the lights must also be 
Fic. 195, A VARIETY OF PRIMULA AURICULA. 
mated; but, unless there is absolute fear of frost, the glass 
‘should not be covered, as the more light the plants receive 
the better. On all suitable occasions, both during summer 
and winter, air must be freely admitted, and a good look-out 
kept during showery weather; hence it may be necessary 
to tilt the lights with blocks rather than remove them 
entirely. The latter plan should be adopted whenever 
practicable, especially during early spring, and after they 
are well established in their fresh pots in sammer. This 
will greatly assist to ripen the crown, and produce hard, 
stout foliage, which will endure the winter much better 
than if grown with less air. Many cultivators prefer small 
span or lean-to houses to frames; and it must be admitted 
that these are better, more convenient, and in every way 
more beneficial. Simple, inexpensive structures, no higher 
than is absolutely necessary for convenience, with top and 
side ventilation, will meet all requirements; and if a 2in, 
foliage. 
s shrivel. 
Auricula—continued. 
months previous to being used, and it should be selected 
from districts with a fine atmosphere; the turf should be 
cut about 3in. thick. Cow manure that has lain for a year 
or so, and been subjected to sharp frosts, is most suitable, 
as insect life, which it very probably contains, is thereby 
destroyed, and the whole materially sweetened. 
Potting. This operation requires to be carefully done as 
soon after flowering as possible, unless it is desired to save 
seed, when it must be deferred until the seed is ripened. 
May and June are the best months for general potting, and 
whatever the size of the pots used, they should be care- 
fully and thoroughly drained. After a good layer of pot- 
sherds, place some charcoal, leaf mould, or spent hops. 
Many good growers use the last very advantageously. For 
good flowering plants, 48-sized pots are used, many culti- 
vators preferring glazed pots to the unglazed; but such 
are not absolutely necessary to ensure success. Before 
repotting, remove most of the old soil, and with a sharp — 
knife cut off any bruised or cankered portion of roots; 
the stout tap-root may also be cut away if devoid of 
fresh rootlets. Do not pot very firmly. Remove the plants 
to their summer quarters, withholding water for a few 
days, and keep the frames close. About a week after 
potting, water may be advantageously given, the plants will 
then soon resume root-action, and air may be admitted 
afterwards on all suitable occasions. The collar or neck of 
the plant must be left well above the surface of the soil. 
Watering is a point that requires careful attention, as 
neglect in this matter will result in failure. During the 
growing season, Auriculas require an abundance of water ; 
in fact, they must never be allowed to get dry. In the 
out for drippings from the glass, and to maintain tightly- 
glazed frames. On all occasions, decaying leaves must be 
removed, and especially during winter. 
Top-dressing. About the middle or end of February, when 
the plants commence new growth, the surface soil should 
be removed abont an inch or so deep, and the pots re-filled 
with a rich compost made up of the following : Two parts of 
turfy loam, one of rotten cow or hen manure, and one of 
leaf soil; if a little Standen’s Manure is added, the compost 
will be improved. After this top-dressing, the plants may 
be watered freely. 
Propagation by Offsets. When top-dressing, any offsets 
with roots should be removed, and as soon after as possible 
the remaining ones should be taken off, as it is much mo; 
desirable to do so early than later on, when- 
‘soil, and arrange about four 
offsets round the sides; place under a bell glass, or in s 
i watering i so as to preven 
pre erie oe They ‘ill soon Sstablish themselves, 
after which air may be admitted, and the plants may ulti- 
mately be potted off singly. To induce choice varieties to 
make offsets, the top of the old plant should be removed 
and treated like the others, when, as a rule, several shoots 
produced, which in due time may be removed. By 
ite Some, a nice stock of the rarer kinds may be obtained ; 
whereas, if such a course were not adopted, the rate of 
increase would be extremely slow. ity 
Flowering. During the flowering period, watering, as 
already stated, must be carefully attended to, for if the 
plants are allowed to get dry, the flowers will quickly _ 
They must also be kept well shaded from sunshine, — 
which quickly destroys the delicate blossoms. As the 
masses are developing, particular attention must be given 
hier 
