A DIALOGUE ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE AURICULA. 77 



ARTICLE II. 



A DIALOGUE ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE AURICULA. 



BY WILLIAM HOWARD, KSQ. 



Learner. You were kind enough to say you would give me some 

 information on the management of Auriculas ; since I am now com- 

 mencing grower, I beg to remind you of your promise. 



Informant. I shall have much pleasure in so doing. That there 

 are various ways of managing this plant I am well aware, since 

 almost all fancy themselves in possession of some infallible nostrum 

 known only to themselves. Having grown Auriculas for my amuse- 

 ment for the last nine or ten years, with great success, induces the 

 belief that my plan is a good one. Much must necessarily depend 

 on the situation, and on the texture of the compost. Evidently a 

 retentive soil will require less frequent waterings than one more 

 porous, therefore it must be clear that one rule of conduct is not alike 

 applicable to all; and he who prescribes one should at the same time 

 be particular in making known the componencies of the compost he 

 uses with it, which I intend doing when I speak of potting the plants 

 in August. I attribute my success not alone to the compost, but to 

 the situation and structure of the frames in which they are sheltered, 

 which will admit a proper circulation of air even in the most unfavour- 

 able weather. When do you purpose purchasing your plants ? 



L. What time do you recommend ? 



Inf. About the end of August is the best time. From whom 

 shall you procure them ? 



L. There is a florist in my neighbourhood who has some of his 

 stock to dispose of every year or two. 



Inf. An amateur florist ? 



L. Yes, and I believe he has several varieties to part with at this 

 time. 



Inf. I really do not think it a good plan, for frequently amateur 



florists, having a portion of their stock which they wish to part with, 



only select such of their plants that have been vitiated and impo- 



shed by an over excitement, from a too stimulating compost used 



for the purpose of producing an extraordinary bloom ; and then the 



ace is, they either die, or at best produce a few offsets; for 



