40 FLOEA DOMESTICA. 



no longer associated with vegetation, makes it look like a 

 baker covered with flour, and just come out from a dinner 

 in his hot oven. 



The Auricula does not flower the first year ; but as it is 

 sometimes desirable to continue the handsome kinds, it 

 may be occasionally agreeable to sow the seeds at home : 

 directions are therefore given for that purpose. The 

 seeds may be sown any time before Christmas, but the 

 best time is in August. They may at first be sown within 

 an inch of each other, not more than a quarter of an inch 

 deep. They should stand in a moderately warm room, and 

 be kept tolerably moist, by sprinkling the earth with a 

 hard clothes-brush dipped in water, warmed by standing 

 in the sun. At the end of four or five weeks, when the 

 plants are all come up, they must be gradually accustomed 

 to the air. As soon as any of the plants show six leaves, 

 transplant them into other pots, about two inches asunder ; 

 and, when grown so as to touch each other, transplant 

 them again, separately, into small pots, where they may 

 remain to blow; and place them where they may enjoy 

 the morning sun. Towards the middle of March they 

 should be placed where they may receive the early, but 

 be screened from the noon-day sun. Exposure to a whole 

 day's sun at this time will destroy them ; but, if the wea- 

 ther be mild, fresh air may be admitted to them. About 

 the end of April they should be gradually accustomed to 

 the open air ; but care must be taken not to do this too 

 abruptly, and to place them out on a mild day, 



" When dews, heaven's secret milk, in unseen showers. 

 First feed the early childhood of the year." 



Davenant. 



Special care must be taken to screen them from easterly 

 winds. Earth, properly prepared for Auriculas, may be 



