jKlO ON THK CULTURE OF THi: AURICULA. 



year, as occasion seems to require, Wash and trim the roots, and 

 shorten the tap vo.it. This 1 perform the hist week in June, or 

 the first in July, (housing showery weather, if possible, ibr the 

 purpose, as I like to get the plants well established before winter. 

 As to the autumn bloom, if the pips be picked off as soon as thev 

 can be got hold of, I never find the spring bloom injured thereby, 

 though the contrary certainly occurs when the flower has been 

 allowed to bloom. With regard to separating the offsets, without 

 question early in March is the best time, for the old plant being 

 relieved from supporting its progeny, will consequently bloom 

 stronger, and the young plants have then time to gain strength 

 ibr the next season : but I always rub off those offsets which I do 

 not wish to preserve, when I repot ; if, however, I want rooted 

 'offsets from those produced high up on the stem, I plant deeper, 

 or 'earth up. I top-dress with the above compost the last week in 

 February. After repeated trials, I am certainly unfavourably dis- 

 posed toward manured water for the Auricula, it certainly having 

 a tendency to rot the plants. 



Situation. — This, in my opinion, is one of the most important 

 points, and the most difficult to determine, in tin* culture of the 

 Auricula ; and more depends upon it than upon almost any thing- 

 else. Every grower must be guided by local circumstances. 

 When I first took this plant under my care, I adhered most mi- 

 nutely to Emmf.rton's instructions ; and so far as a southern 

 aspect in winter, and a northern one in summer, were concerned, 

 it. did very well ; but from March to the end of the blooming sea- 

 son, the only chance I found of doing any good was to move 

 them about until I found out the best spot, most open and free 

 lrom drafts. Indeed, during this period, I several times change 

 both situation and elevation. Easterly and westerly winds are 

 great evils in small gardens between walls, and from these the 

 Auricula must be protected ; for if once the pips become cupped, 

 it is rarely they can be made to open fiat afterwards. I give at 

 all times, except during severe frost, all the air possible. In No- 

 vember, 1 put them into their winter quarters in frames, and keep 

 them as near the glass as possible, without their actually touching 

 it, allowing them moderate showers, if the weather proves favoura- 

 ble, to the end of die month. During December, January, and 

 until the last week in February, L never aliowthem a drop of water, 



