104 CULTIVATION OF VIOLA PALLIDA FLEN<» . 



anticipations of the manipulator. I am fully satisfied that blindness of 

 flowers is generally the result of this want of attention, to say nothing 

 of the red spider, green fly, &c. 



Final Treatment. — About the latter end of August, or the begin- 

 ning of September, those intended for early autumn flowering should 

 be transplanted to their final quarters, and in preparing to do so it is 

 indispensably necessary that they should be placed far beyond the evil 

 of stagnant or local moisture, as the Violet, although delighting in 

 warm refreshing showers, and liberal waterings when required, is very 

 impatient of an excess of humidity continually about them. To avoid 

 this state of things, select a situation that has the advantage of being 

 warm, dry, and airy. The beds should be raised to an elevation of two 

 or three feet ; these should be constructed of old dry hot-bed linings, 

 or half decayed leaves, or both thrown up together to the desired 

 height. Upon this stratum place the frame, or frames, and at the same 

 time see that the sashes are in the best possible condition. Having 

 proceeded thus far prepare for planting in the following compost, viz., 

 four parts of well decomposed turfy loam from an old pasture, one part 

 of two or three year old cow manure, one part of thoroughly decayed 

 leaves, one part of coarse sand or road grit, with two of well pulverized 

 rich yellow loam ; these should be mixed " at the time of using," so 

 that the whole may be well incorporated. The coarsest of this should 

 be put in first, then the other on the top of it to the depth of eight to 

 ten inches. Take up the plants with roots entire, and plant them 

 eight inches apart every way, pressing the soil firmly about them ; 

 when completed thoroughly water the whole with soft water, as rain, 

 river, or which has been exposed to the atmosphere for a few days ; 

 hard water is very injurious to the plants. Shade and keep them close 

 for a short time, to allow the plants to get a little established, after 

 which let them have plenty of air by fully exposing them in favour- 

 able weather. As the autumnal sun, in a great measure, withdraws 

 his genial influence, ventilation may be gradually diminished, more 

 particularly when they commence yielding their odoriferous flowers, 

 which will cause the stems to become proportionately long, and render 

 the flowers more conveniently suitable for the bouquet.. 



The temperature I endeavour to maintain ranges from forty-five to 

 fifty degrees, consequently — 



When chill November s surly blast 

 Makes trees and forests bare, 



I put a good lining of fresh unfermented leaves, three or four feet 

 thick, and as high as the tops of the frames. Securing the whole by 

 fixing hurdles all round them, these throw a steady warmth into the 

 beds, which lasts for a long time, assisted by a good covering of mats 

 in frosty weather. 



If they are required to embellish and perfume the drawing-room or 

 conservatory, it is necessary only to plant them in well-drained pots 

 instead of planting them out, and plunge the pots up to the rim in the 

 beds in coal-ashes, from which they can be removed when in full bloom. 

 In the application of water it is an essential point to do it judiciously, 



