CULTURE OUT-OF-DOORS 81 



little leaf-mould or similar light material may be mixed 

 with the surface soil before planting the Violets. When 

 the plants have become well established and are capable 

 of being lifted with a good ball of soil attached to the 

 roots, they can be transplanted into any position where 

 they are to flower, or, if desirable, left to bloom where 

 they are. The summer cultivation consists in pinching 

 out all runners, stirring the surface soil repeatedly with 

 the Dutch hoe, and affording water during dry weather, 

 the object being to encourage the development of strong, 

 perfectly matured crowns by autumn. Spraying with clear 

 water late in the afternoon of fine days is beneficial. Some 

 growers prefer to set their plants rather wider apart than 

 the distance already stated, and peg down three runners 

 around each plant. Excellent results are obtained from 

 either system, and as regards the latter method, it may be 

 applied to Strawberries with equally good results. A word 

 of caution is here necessary. Although the three runners 

 may be permitted, this should be the maximum number, 

 for it is just as impossible to get the best results from 

 Violets as from Strawberries if the runners are allowed 

 to grow as they please. 



CULTIVATION IN FRAMES 



Assuming this method of cultivation is adopted for 

 the purpose of supplying blooms in winter, the transplanta- 



