308 On the Cultivation of the Pmisy. 



Pansies will grow in any soil, but thrive best in a good 

 mellow sandy loam, made tolerably rich with good rotten 

 manure and leaf -mould : whatever the soil may be naturally, 

 add that which will bring it nearest to the above. For in- 

 stance, if the soil is a close adhesive loam, mix in plenty of 

 a light nature, with coarse sand ; good stiff loam may be 

 added to great advantage, if the soil is light, — the pansy 

 being a plant that cannot stand drought, such as would be 

 experienced with light soil in dry weather. 



In choosing a situation for this plant, it is most desira- 

 ble to select one free from the sun for a few hours in the 

 hottest part of the day ; this will cause the blooms to keep 

 their color a much longer time. 



If large blooms are required for exhibition, the distance 

 from plant to plant should be fifteen inches for strong-grow- 

 ing varieties ; ten inches will be sufficient for those of an 

 opposite character, and that seldom cover but very little 

 space. "Exquisite," " Ariadne,"' and " Miss Tarrant," are 

 of this class, and should be planted in a separate bed, other- 

 Avise such rude-growing kinds as " Mary Jane," "Rainbow," 

 and others, will run over them. Two thirds of the distance 

 above named will be sufficient if grown for effect in the 

 garden. Pluck off any flowers that may appear before the 

 plants are established in the ground. 



A few cuttings may now be put in to advantage, and, 

 when struck, should be planted in a north border, which 

 plants will flower all the summer in good color, if the situa- 

 tion is a proper one, and be the means of providing a succes- 

 sion of bloom from March until November, as the [stock 

 propagated during the summer months v\^ill bloom freely and 

 fine all the autumn. 



Cuttings will strike throughout the whole year, and should 

 be taken as often as they can be found on choice valuable 

 kinds. 



The most troublesome time to manage cuttings is during 

 the hot weather ; they are most easily struck in March and 

 the autumn months. 



For autumn, winter, and spring striking, we make use of 

 pots, pressing them firmly and closely to the edge, using 

 sandy soil, with plenty of drainage ; but for summer propa- 



