CULTIVATION OF VIOLA PALLIDA PLENA. 103 



Acacias. — A considerable number of beautiful kinds were in bloom ; 

 but we must omit their description at present, as well as the list of 

 hardy herbaceous plants now in bloom. In our next they will appear. 



Cinerarias. — There are numbers in the greenhouse of the very best 

 kinds, highly ornamental, diffusing, with the Acacias, a delightful 

 perfume. 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF VIOLA PALLIDA PLENA, 

 OR NEAPOLITAN VIOLET. 



BY MR. GEORGE FRY, GARDENER TO MRS. DENT, MANOR HOUSE, LEE IN KENT. 



This truly beautiful little fragrant plant being an especial favourite of 

 mine, and having been very successful in its cultivation, I now forward 

 a few remarks relative to the management pursued, not, however, pre- 

 suming I can throw any new light upon the subject, my object being 

 merely to give a few practical hints at a seasonable period, which I 

 trust may be useful to some of your numerous readers, more particularly 

 those young tyros who are desirous of acquiring a knowledge of the 

 best means of cultivating some of Nature's choicest treasures. 



Propagation.— This is readily performed during the spring months 

 after the blooming season is past. The precise period being regulated 

 according to the condition of the plants, and the season they are re- 

 quired to produce their flowers. Plants intended to bloom early in 

 autumn should be increased early in spring, say the latter end of 

 March or beginning of April ; and those not so required may be 

 propagated any time from the latter end of April to the early part of 

 May. 



As soon as the plants have ceased to bloom, by a little encourage- 

 ment they will produce numerous lateral shoots, which will readily 

 emit roots if taken oft' and be somewhat thickly inserted in a compost 

 composed of light maiden loam and thoroughly decomposed leaf 

 mould, with a good portion of silver or river sand well blended 

 together, and pressed firm. They should be watered with a fine rose 

 watering pot, and covered with the portable tops of hand glasses. 

 They must be shaded too from the intense rays of the sun and kept 

 close, removing only to dry up superfluous moisture, and to give an 

 occasional sprinkling should they at any time appear dry. 



After Treatment. — When upon examination the plants are found to be 

 well rooted, preparation should be made for planting them out in a bed 

 on a border rather shaded than otherwise, but not entirely excluded from 

 the sun's influence. If the natural soil be not sufficiently good, some 

 of the previously mentioned compost should be forked into it, well 

 mixed, made firm and even. The plants should be carefully taken up, 

 and be planted from six to eight inches asunder, after which give a 

 copious watering, and shade them for a few days until they have made 

 fresh roots. As the season advances it is only necessary to stir the soil 

 between them, checking the growth of all intruders, and in dry weather 

 liberally supplying them with water ; they should by no means lack 

 this feeding and life invigorating element, or they will not realize the 



