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THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 



AURANTIACEJE. An order of trees or shrubs, in- 

 cluding the Orange and Lemon trees. Flowers fragrant. 

 Fruit fleshy, edible. Leaves alternate, articulated above 

 the stem, filled with transparent oil cysts, giving them a 

 dotted appearance. Well-known genera are Citrua and 

 Limonia. 



AURICULA (Primula Auricula). This favourite spring 

 flower (see Fig. 195) was, at one time, almost universally 

 cultivated, but has of late years fallen into much neglect ; 

 it is now, however, happily regaining enthusiastic admirers. 

 Although its culture is not nearly so difficult as is generally 

 understood, a few special items of treatment are neverthe- 

 less necessary to grow it successfully. 



Frames for the reception of Auriculas should be prepared, 

 with a good bottom drainage, and an inside staging, similar 

 to the back stage of a lean-to greenhouse, arranged as 

 near the glass as possible. If the frames are about 4ft. 

 wide, they will be very convenient ; 1ft. deep in the 

 front, and about 3ft. at the back. This will allow for a 

 good stage arrangement. Of course, it is not necessary 

 to construct an expensive staging, as common boards can 

 be laid upon pots of various heights, the same results 

 being practically secured. These frames should face north 

 from May to October, and south in winter, during which 

 latter time it will be necessary to well cover the sides 

 with straw or brake. When frosty, the lights must also be 



Fio. 195. A VARIETY OP PRIMULA AURICULA. 

 mated ; but, unless there is absolute fear of frost, the glass 

 should not be covered, as the more light the plants receive 

 the better. On all suitable occasions, both during summer 

 and winter, air must be freely admitted, and a good look-out 

 kept during showery weather ; hence it may be necessary 

 to tilt the lights with blocks rather than remove them 

 entirely. The latter plan should be adopted whenever 

 practicable, especially during early spring, and after they 

 are well established in their fresh pots in summer. This 

 will greatly assist to ripen the crown, and produce hard, 

 stout foliage, which will endure the winter much better 

 i if grown with less air. Many cultivators prefer small 

 span or lean-to houses to frames ; and it must be admitted 

 that these are better, more convenient, and in every way 

 more beneficial. Simple, inexpensive structures, no higher 

 than is absolutely necessary for convenience, with top and 

 side ventilation, will meet all requirements ; and if a 2in. 

 hot-water pipe is arranged next the eaves inside, it will be 

 a decided advantage during very severe weather. 

 _ Soil. The best compost that can be prepared for Auriculas 

 is as follows: Four parts good fibrous loam, one part well- 

 rotted cow manure, one part good leaf soil, and one part 

 ooarse river or silver sand, with a little charcoal or pounded 

 oyster-shells added. Carefully mix the whole together 

 before using. The loam should be stored about twelve 



Auricula continued. 



months previous to being used, and it should be selected 

 from districts with a fine atmosphere ; the turf should be 

 cut about Sin. thick. Cow manure that has lain for a year 

 or so, and been subjected to sharp frosts, is most suitable, 

 as insect life, which it very probably contains, ia thereby 

 destroyed, and the whole materially sweetened. 



Potting. This operation requires to be carefully done as 

 soon after flowering as possible, unless it is desired to save 

 seed, when it must be deferred until the seed is ripened. 

 May and June are the best months for general potting, and 

 whatever the size of the pots used, they should be care- 

 fully and thoroughly drained. After a good layer of pot- 

 sherds, place some charcoal, leaf mould, or spent hops. 

 Many good growers use the last very advantageously. For 

 good flowering plants, 48-sized pota are used, many culti- 

 vators preferring glazed pots to the unglazed; but such 

 are not absolutely necessary to ensure success. Before 

 repotting, remove most of the old soil, and with a sharp 

 knife cut off any bruised or cankered portion of roots ; 

 the stout tap-root may also be cut away if devoid of 

 fresh rootlets. Do not pot very firmly. Remove the plants 

 to their summer quarters, withholding water for a few 

 days, and keep the frames close. About a week after 

 potting, water may be advantageously given, the plants will 

 then soon resume root-action, and air may be admitted 

 afterwards on all suitable occasions. The collar or neck of 

 the plant must be left well above the surface of the soil. 



Watering is a point that requires careful attention, as 

 neglect in this matter will result in failure. During the 

 growing season, Auriculas require an abundance of water ; 

 in fact, they must never be allowed to get dry. In the 

 winter, they must only be watered when they are really 

 dry, especially during a severe season. Care must be taken 

 to avoid watering the leaves, particularly in early spring, 

 as this tends to spoil the effect of the charming farinose 

 foliage. Above all, water must not be allowed to stand in 

 the heart of the plant, as such will inevitably cause in- 

 cipient decay. Hence it is necessary to keep a sharp look- 

 out for drippings from the glass, and to maintain tightly- 

 glazed frames. On all occasions, decaying leaves must be 

 removed, and especially during winter. 



Top-dressing. About the middle or end of February, when 

 the plants commence new growth, the surface soil should 

 be removed about an inch or so deep, and the pots re-filled 

 with a rich compost made up of the following : Two parts of 

 turfy loam, one of rotten cow or hen manure, and one of 

 leaf soil ; if a little Standen's Manure is added, the compost 

 will be improved. After this top-dressing, the plants may 

 be watered freely. 



Propagation by Offsets. When top-dressing, any offsets 

 with roots should be removed, and as soon after as possible 

 the remaining ones should be taken off, as it is much more 

 desirable to do so early than later on, when repotting ; 

 for, when making the first growth, they are the more 

 likely to root better, and stand a greater chance 

 making good plants before the season is over. Fill well- 

 drained Sin. pots with sandy soil, and arrange about four 

 offsets round the aides ; place under a bell glass, or in a 

 close hand-light, watering very sparingly so as to prevent 

 them damping off. They will soon establish themselves, 

 after which air may be admitted, and the plants may ulti- 

 mately be potted off singly. To induce choice varieties to 

 make offsets, the top of the old plant should be removed 

 and treated like the others, when, as a rule, several shoots 

 will be produced, which in due time may be removed. By 

 this means, a nice stock of the rarer kinds may be obtained ; 

 whereas, if such a course were not adopted, the rate of 

 increase would be extremely slow. 



Flowering. During the flowering period, watering, as 

 already stated, must be carefully attended to, for if the 

 plants are allowed to get dry, the flowers will quickly 

 shrivel. They must also be kept well shaded from sunshine, 

 which quickly destroys the delicate blossoms. As the 

 trusses are developing, particular attention must be given 



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