274 FLOWER GARDEN. 



in the end of autumn. The roots are then taken up, dried, 

 and stored in a cellar, or some other place where they may 

 be secured from frost and moisture. Early in the spring, 

 the tubers of the finer varieties are placed among leaf- 

 mould on a hotbed, or in boxes in a stove, to start them, 

 as the gardeners speak. When thus forwarded, they begin 

 to flower in July, or six weeks earlier than usual; and 

 cuttings taken off from such started tubers in April are 

 sure to form flowering plants in September. 



The Auricula (Primula Auricula) is a native of the 

 Alps and the Caucasus. It has long been an inmate of 

 our gardens, and has generally been a favorite with those 

 florists whose means and appliances are of a limited kind. 

 Some of the most successful cultivators at present are 

 among the operatives in the vicinity of Manchester and 

 Paisley. 



Besides the double varieties, which have never been in 

 much repute, Auriculas are classed under two divisions : 

 the Selfs or plain-colored, and the variegated or painted 

 sorts. Professed florists confine their attention to the 

 latter : it must, however, be confessed, that their criteria 

 of fine flowers are often arbitrary, and that, although many 

 of their favorites are examples of undoubted beauty, the 

 eye of the uninitiated would generally prefer the simpler 

 hues of the self-colored flowers. 



The auricula, though now almost wholly an artificial 

 plant, and strangely transformed from its original appear- 

 ance, still inclines to a moist soil and shady situation. The 

 florists' varieties are grown in rich composts, for the pre- 

 paration of which numberless receipts have been given. 

 We quote that of Mr. Hogg, of Paddington, an expe- 

 rienced grower : " One barrow of rich yellow loam, or 

 fresh earth from some meadow, or pasture-land, or com- 



