On the Cvltivation of the Pansy. 309 



gallon we prefer a shad^ border, which should be well 

 drained, and prepared so that worms cannot disturb the cut- 

 tings. They should be protected from heavy rain and from 

 exposure to the -sun; but if they are shaded, like most other 

 cuttings, they will most assuredly damp off. All depends on 

 the situation, which should be liglit wiihont sioi. Another 

 difficulty to contend with at this time, arises from harsh dry- 

 ing winds. We use hand-lights and small frames, so that 

 both heavy rain and wind can be eftectually kept from them. 

 However, not an hour should be lost in keeping them quite 

 open in favorable weather. 



We must caution the inexperienced grower to avoid the 

 common error that nine out of ten fall into. Success will 

 not so much depend on making the cutting, which is a very 

 simple affair ; but whether for pots, or the border, be careful 

 not to make the hole deeper than the cutting is intended to 

 be inserted, and press the earth round it until it is quite hard. 

 We do not recommend layering; it should only be resorted 

 to with those flowers that are shy in throwing up young 

 wood. The tops of long shoots may be struck in this way, 

 that are too large for cuttings. 



The soil of those beds which have had plants in them all 

 the winter should now be loosened, preparatory to their being 

 top-dressed with good rich rotten manure, which should be 

 put on when the beds are in a dry state. A good layer of 

 manure laid on in this manner answers two purposes. Its 

 strength will be washed down to the roots by rain and water- 

 ing, and will prevent the blooms from being splashed by 

 heavy rains. This last operation cannot be performed so 

 early as this in every season, as it would be injudicious when 

 the beds are in a wet state ; and the first week in April 

 would answer very well. At the same time fill up any va- 

 cancies that may have occurred during the winter. 



APRIL. 



This is perhaps the most exciting time of the year for the 

 amateur pansy grower. Buds of some new wonder, or 

 popular old favorites, will be fast maturing ; and those who 

 intend to exhibit will be still more interested in the develop- 

 ment of those plants they have been watching and nursing 



