GENTIAN ACE^. 1 93 



tion they will require for the remainder of the season, supposing 

 the sowing to be done in summer or autumn, will be that of 

 shading so long as the day is long and the sun strong, admit- 

 ting air sufficient to keep the frame cool, and watering as it 

 appears necessary, and that will be necessary always when the 

 surface of the pots appears somewhat dry. On winter setting in, 

 the frame will require to be protected during severe weather ; 

 but on all favourable days air may be admitted freely. On the 

 approach of spring the pots should be examined, any mossy 

 growth that may have made its appearance removed, and a 

 slight sprinkling of fresh soil given along with a gentle watering 

 to finish, when they may be returned to their quarters again. 

 The admission of air so as to keep up a nice temperature in the 

 frame and yet prevent excessive heating, a slight shading as the 

 day lengthens and the sun's rays increase in power, and care- 

 ful watering as required, are the only points essential to be 

 observed till the plants begin to appear; but the shading should 

 not be used except on bright days, and then only for an hour 

 or two during the hottest part. AVhen the plants appear in 

 reasonable quantity it will be necessary to gradually inure them 

 to more light and air ; and while they are yet small and tender 

 they must be carefully handled as regards watering : one rude 

 dash of chilly water may cost the lives of hundreds of tiny 

 plants. When they are fit to handle they must be pricked ofi" 

 into pots or boxes, or, what is better if at hand, they may be 

 turned into a nursing-bed or shallow frame in suitable compost, 

 pricking them out an inch or two apart each way. The majo- 

 rity of perennial Gentians make but little bulk the first season 

 from seed, and to turn them out of doors in permanent quarters 

 the first winter would be to court disaster ; their enemies in the 

 shape of slugs and other vermin would soon make short work 

 of their small development of leaf and stem, and the action of 

 frost mechanically on their tiny root-hold would be too trying 

 an ordeal for them to pass through successfully. It is neces- 

 sary, therefore, to winter them compactly together where they 

 may be protected when required, and where vermin, when they 

 appear, may be easily given good account of. If frames or 

 hand-glasses cannot be spared for them, a bed of coal-ashes 

 kept together by an edging of bricks or boards in some sheltered 

 spot will do very well to winter in, the pots being plunged as 

 much over the rims as is consistent with the safety of the plants, 

 and a few hoops arched over the bed will furnish a' suitable 

 framework to support the protecting materials. The plants may 

 be turned out into their permanent places the following spring. 

 G. acaulis {Gentianella). — A very lovely plant, familiar in 



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