THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 265 



CULTURE OF THE POLYANTHUS. 



BY A SUBSCRIBER. 



[OME prefer growing this plant in pits — a system I never 

 adopt, as they require much greater attention, are far 

 more delicate in habit, and never increase so well 

 under this mode of treatment. Others separate and 

 replant iu the beginning of August, and frequently 

 lose a great many plants by so doing, which, in my opinion, is one 

 reason why Polyanthuses are so scarce. But they quietly content 

 themselves that some few are spared, and directly attribute the loss 

 to hot weather, which is a mistake ; for, at this season, the plants 

 are almost, I may say, in a dormant state ; in fact, the old foliage is 

 fading, the new is not advancing, and if removed, however suitable the 

 weather, a great many will most assuredly die. The situation most 

 suitable for them is a well-raised border on the north side of a quick 

 or hawthorn fence. This serves as a shade during the hot months 

 of summer, and also allows sufficient sun to reach the plants in 

 spring. About this time (middle of September), or as soon as the 

 new foliage is advanced two or three inches (not before), take up 

 your plants, separate the increase, and plant them in the border, 

 prepared of loamy turf, leaf soil, and rotten sheep-dung. Give them 

 sufficient water to settle the soil at the roots, and, should the 

 weather prove dry, repeat the watering accordingly. The plants 

 may then be left without any further care. I never give mine any 

 protection whatever through the winter, and, although the season 

 may be severe, I do not lose a single plant. In the first week in 

 April I select such as have made the best trusses, for exhibition, 

 and, taking them from the border, with as much soil as possible, I 

 place them in six-inch pots, give a gentle watering, and remove them 

 to a more shady situation. I guard against snails by scattering a 

 little barley chaff or common salt about the pots, or they would 

 destroy the blooms, and my labour would be in vain. The careful 

 removing of the plants rather improves the quality of the flowers 

 than otherwise; but as soon as the day of exhibition is over, I 

 replace them in the border, in their former situation. During the 

 months of May, June, July, and August, a few branches stuck on 

 the border will be of great service, and effectually prevent the sun 

 from scorching the plants, which would injure them to a serious 

 extent. Plenty of water must be supplied daily. Should the 

 weather prove dry and hot, regularly soak them, or they will 

 probably be attacked by red spider, which undoubtedly destroys 

 numbers of plants every season. Should you be troubled with this 

 pest, syringe the foliage without delay on the under-side, with some 

 strong soap-suds. This will drive it away, if not destroy it, and 

 there is no fear of being troubled a second time, as it will never 

 return to the plants any more that season. I have always found 

 one application effectual, and the plants have not sufl'ered in the 

 slightest degree. By the above treatment I have always had a 

 fine bloom. 



September. 



