FEB.] FLOWER GARDEN. 16f 



hardy fibrous-rooted flowering plants, both of perennials and bien- 

 nials, such as lobelias, Phloxes, Dracocephalums, polyanthuses, prim- 

 roses, London-pride, violets, double camomile, thrift, gentianella, 

 hepaticas, and saxifrage. 



Plant also rose-campion, rockets, catch-fly, scarlet lychnis, double 

 feverfew, carnations, pinks, sweet-williams, columbines, Canterbury- 

 bells, monk's-hood, Greek valerian, tree primrose, foxglove, golden 

 rods, perennial asters, perennial sunflowers, hollyhocks, French honey- 

 suckles, and many others. 



In planting the above, or any other sorts, particularly at this early 

 period, observe to preserve balls of earth about their roots, to dispose 

 them regularly, and intermix the different kinds in such order as 

 there may be a variety of colors, as well as a regular succession of 

 flowers in every part during the flowering season. 



AURICULAS. 



The choice kinds of auriculas in pots must now be treated with 

 more than ordinary care, for their flower-buds will soon begin to 

 advance ; therefore the plants should be carefully defended from frost 

 and cold heavy rains. 



This must be done by a good covering of glass and mats, but every 

 mild and dry day the plants must be entirely uncovered. 



Any old decayed leaves should be picked off as they appear, the 

 earth loosened at the top of the pots, some of it taken out and re- 

 placed with good fresh compost mould. This will encourage the 

 pushing of young roots from immediately under their leaves, which 

 will greatly strengthen the plants. 



Be very cautious, however, not to force those plants at this season, 

 for that would prevent their flowering in any tolerable perfection ; all 

 they require is to be protected from severe frost, snow, cutting winds, 

 and cold rains ; they are to have no bottom heat whatever, nor are 

 the glasses to be kept close in any kind of sunshine that might pro- 

 duce a strong heat in the frame ; on the contrary, they must get as 

 much air as possible, by taking the glasses off every sunny or mild 

 day, and replacing them at night and in cold weather ; and when you 

 cannot take them totally off, raise them a little behind, or slide them 

 either up or down, at every favorable opportunity. A little frost 

 will not do them much injury, especially until their flower-buds begin 

 to appear; but after that, they must be carefully protected therefrom : 

 cold heavy rains is their utter enemy at all times, against which you 

 must carefully guard. 



SOW AURICULA AND POLYANTHUS SEEDS. 



Auricula and polyanthus seed may be sown any time in this month ; 

 they will grow freely, and the plants from this sowing will rise well. 

 The seeds may be sown in boxes, or large pots filled with light rich 

 earth, and covered about the eighth of an inch deep ; then place the 

 pots or boxes in a hot-bed frame at work, give them fequent but light 

 sprinklings of water, both before and after the plants appear, and a 



