January 



Carnation. Seed of the early-flowering class should be sown 

 in heat during this month and again in February. With very little 

 trouble, plants can be brought forward and transferred to the open 

 ground, where they will give a splendid display in about six months 

 from the date of sowing. 



Cinerarias should have air whenever it is possible. Choose the 

 middle of the day for watering, and do not slop the water about 

 carelessly, or mildew may result. In houses which are not lighted 

 all round, the plants should be turned regularly to prevent them 

 from facing one way. Such specimens are worthless for the dinner- 

 table, and will be diminished in value for decorating the drawing- 

 room. 



Cyclamens are still in the height of their beauty. The pots 

 have become so full of roots that ordinary watering partially fails 

 of its purpose. An occasional immersion of the pots for about 

 half an hour will result in marked benefit to the plants. The 

 flowers, when taken from the corm, should be lifted by a smart pull. 

 If cut, the stems bleed and exhaust the root. 



Where a succession of this flower is valued, a sowing should be 

 made either in this month or in February. Dibble the seed, an inch 

 apart and a quarter of an inch deep, in pots or pans firmly filled 

 with rich porous soil; and place in heat of not less than 56 and 

 not exceeding 70; the less the temperature varies the better. Cycla- 

 men seed is both slow and irregular in germinating, and sometimes 

 proves a sore trial even to those who are blessed with patience. As 

 the seedlings become ready transfer to small pots, and shift on as 

 growth demands, always keeping the crown of the corm free from 

 soil. The increasing power of the sun will render shading essential ; 

 yet a position near the glass is most advantageous to the plants. 



Freesia. This elegant and delicately perfumed flower is 

 annually raised in large numbers from seed. From this month to 

 March sowings may be made in heat, and as the roots are extremely 

 brittle, re-potting is a delicate operation. 



Gesnera. Those who have once grown this handsome con- 

 servatory plant will not afterwards consent to be without it. The 

 richly marked foliage contrasts admirably with the flowers. Sow 

 in the manner advised for Gloxinia, and the two plants may be grown 

 in the same house. 



Gloxinia. From two or three sowings, and by a little manage- 

 ment, it is easy to have a supply of this magnificent flower in every 

 month of the year. Sow thinly in new pots filled with a light porous 



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