APRIL. 83 



on coal ashes to prevent the entrance of worms 

 from the bottom. 



When Auricula plants require water, it should be 

 supplied in the early part of the day at this season, 

 that the plant may fully imbibe the moisture ; but 

 do not water the centre of the plant, lest the stem 

 be injured. 



CRITERIA OF A GOOD AURICULA. 



Stem long and erect; peduncles strong; tube 

 one-sixth part of stem in diameter ; eye, one-half, 

 and the exterior, with its margin, one-third. The 

 flower-leaves or pips, should be as nearly as possible 

 round at the edge, the anthers large, and should fill 

 the tube well. 



The eye or interior circle round and very white ; 

 the exterior with its ground color rich and uniform, 

 distinct at the eye ; its green edge or margin in 

 equal proportion with the ground color. 



Mark off such flowers, when in full blossom, as 

 you intend to save seed from, and remove the pots 

 containing them to such an aspect as will afford 

 them the sun until mid-day, for ripening, which will 

 be in June. 



COMPOST FOR AURICULAS. 



One-third of rotten cow-dung reduced to earth, 

 one-third of very rotten sod-mould, one-sixth of rot- 

 ten leaves or bog-mould, and one-sixth of fine clear 

 river or pit sand ; let the whole be frequently turned 

 and broken, for at least twelve months before it is 

 used, and kept in an airy situation. 



