44 GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS. 



should be sown as soon as ripe in pans or shallow boxes 

 filled with a compost of well-rotted manure, leaf mould, 

 and coarse sand thoroughly incorporated. As soon as the 

 plants have made two leaves, prick out, at one inch apart, 

 into similar pans or boxes filled with the same compost, 

 and place upon the shelf in the 

 green-house, near the glass, and 

 shade from direct sunlight. Care- 

 fully water; to dry them or drown 

 them is equally fatal. As soon as 

 the plants are well rooted, shift into 

 a three-inch pot, observing the same 

 instructions in all respects. By the 

 first of September they will require 

 a five-inch pot. With proper care 

 and attention, they will be in 

 CYCLAMEN. flower from November through the 



entire winter months. They require a more even tem- 

 perature than is usually given to green-house plants, not 

 above 60 nor below 50; with it bulbs two inches in 

 diameter can be grown in one year. 



After flowering they should be gradually ripened off, 

 but never allowed to become thoroughly dry. During 

 summer keep them in a frame, shaded, and give occa- 

 sionally a little water. They should be repotted again 

 about the first of September, without breaking the ball, 

 and the next flowering will be their perfection of bloom. 

 This species is a native of Persia. All the species are 

 famous for their acridity, yet in Sicily the Cyclamen is 

 the principal food of the wild boars ; hence the common 

 name of Sow-bread. 



