Some remarks on the use of the Polyanthus. 251 



The compost for the purpose should consist of equal parts loam and 

 leaf mould, with the addition of very little sand, in the proportion 

 of one sixth to the whole ; they should be put in number two pots, 

 which will be sufficiently large to flower them in. The practice of 

 using such large pots as is commonly the case, is not needful ; the 

 plants look much prettier, and flower profusely in a smaller size ; 

 after they are all potted, place them where they will receive the sun 

 in the morning ; and gradually expose them to its full influence, in 

 order to harden their shoots, and prevent their drawing up. Early in 

 October, they should be put into their winter quarters ; no further care 

 is necessary, otherwise than to keep them from the frost, and give 

 them as much air as possible. The first of April they will commence 

 flowering, and continue till July. 



The Canary aster is a pretty plant, but is not often seen in good 

 perfection ; the plants after flowering are very apt to die. I have 

 always transplanted mine, after the flower stems are cut off, into the 

 flower border, in rather a shady place. It seems almost impossible to 

 keep them in pots during summer ; the plants here make a good 

 growth and spread considerably. About the first of September they are 

 taken up, the roots divided, and placed in pots ; upon the approach 

 of frost they are taken into the green-house. Care should be paid to 

 them, and whenever the green jlij appears, the plants should be fumi- 

 gated, or they will soon destroy their beauty. 



Yours, 



S. SWEETSER. 



Camhricfgeport, June 15, 1835. 



Art. V. Some Itcmarlcs on the use of the Polyanthus (Primula vul- 

 garis, var. Polyanthus), as an edging to Jioiccr borders and par- 

 terres. By an Amateur. 



Dear Sirs, 



I am induced to send you a few remarks on the use of the Poly- 

 anthus as an edging to flower borders, or small flower beds, where 

 beauty and neatness is the principal oliject. The Polyanthus, though 

 I believe heretofore considered a rather tender plant, is with me 

 perfectly hardy ; and stands the winter full as well, without the least 

 protection, as our indigenous perennials. Perhaps the choice named 

 varieties of this plant, if they were transplanted into the border after 

 having been grown in pots several years, and kept in a green-house 

 or frame during winter, would not be sufficiently hardy to live 

 through. But they can undoubtedly be acclimated. 



