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ILLUSTRATIONS. 



In previous volumes of our Magazine we have inserted valuable 

 articles on tlie particular treatment in cultivating this higlily interesting 

 plant, and towliicliwe respectfully refer our readers. So much having 

 been wrote upon it, and which contains every improvement up to last 

 year, we abstain from a general detail, and only need add, in tliis place, 

 a few particulars. 



The general method of growing the Heartsease has been in the open 

 bed, but on a recent occasion we visited a celebrated grower and suc- 

 cessful exhibitor, and saw tlie culture of them carried out to a con- 

 siderable extent ; in fact with all tlie kinds grown to obtain blooms for 

 exhibiting at the shows, in pots, and from our own more recent prac- 

 tice, we are assured that to grow them in pots is very mucli better than 

 the open bed. 



We need scarcely add, when there are a surplus of plants of course 

 they will adorn wherever planted. 



In growing them in pots they require a liberal drainage, a soil similar 

 to wiiat they delight in in the open bed, and to be propagated in the 

 same manner, by cuttings, and new kinds obtained by seed. 



By having tliem in pots they can be secured from loss during winter, 

 by having them placed in a cold pit, frame, or similar place of protec- 

 tion. The plants in the open border, too, from the situation, or pecu- 

 liarity of tlie season, is often aflected by mildew, but Avhen grown in 

 pots they can be placed in a situation favourable to their health in all 

 seasons. 



Plants raised the previous year from cuttings always bloom the most 

 vigorous. The pots will vary as to size as the plants increase in extent, 

 and a re-potting is found necessary ; the 24's are best for spring- 

 potting. 



Modes of Propagation. 



Br Seed. — In order to have fine proportioned flowers save no seed 

 but from such kinds, and draft out of the collection every one that is 

 not of fine form, so that no impregnation may be effected by inferior 

 sorts. The best time to sow the seed is early in April, or late in 

 August. The soil must constantly be kept moist till the seedlings 

 appear, wliicli in the open bed will be about two months, and a week 

 earlier when sown in pots. When in the open boi'der a situation shaded 

 from hot sun must be chosen, or a temporary shade be employed. Sow 

 thinly, and transplant when they have made four rough leaves. A 

 light loam is suitable to sow in, and cover the seed about one-eighth of 

 an inch. 



By Cuttings. — These may be struck at any time from spring to 

 autumn, but they strike the best at the latter season. Side shoots not 

 flowered are the best, short jointed too, and not more than about three 

 inches long. Put them out in a shady border, being careful the bottom 

 of the cutting rests upon the soil, and not left hollow ; also let the soil 

 be closed round the stem, not pressed so as to bruise it, but enough to 

 prevent injury from an opening being left down to the bottom part of 

 the cutting. Water liberally at the time of putting off, and continue, 

 if the season be dry, as circumstances dictate; for a few days after 

 being put off a slight sprinkling over head will prevent the foliage from 



