CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS 223 



afterwards. Immediately they are through the soil, remove the 

 sheet of glass, and give them prompt attention, or they will rapidly 

 fade away. So soon as the second leaf appears, tiny and difficult to 

 handle as the plants may be, commence pricking them off into other 

 pots prepared to receive them, for it is unsafe to wait until they 

 become strong. Allow about two inches between each plant. The 

 occupants of each pan may generally be pricked off in about three 

 operations, and there should be only the shortest possible intervals 

 between. 



With many subjects it is a safe rule to use the robust seedlings 

 and throw the weakly ones away. That practice will not do in the 

 case of Calceolarias, or some of the most charming colours that can 

 grace the conservatory or greenhouse will be lost. The strongest 

 seedlings generally produce flowers in which yellow largely pre- 

 dominates. This can easily be verified if the plants are kept under 

 separate numbers. But it must not be inferred that because the 

 remainder are somewhat weaker at the outset, that ultimately they 

 will not make robust plants. 



Freely mix silver sand with the potting mould, and raise the sur- 

 face higher in the centre than at the edge of the pot. From the 

 first appearance of the seedlings shading is of the utmost importance, 

 for a brief period of direct sunshine will prove certain and speedy 

 destruction. Do not allow the plants to become dry for a moment, 

 but give frequent gentle sprinklings of water, and rain-water is pre- 

 ferable. As the soil hardens, stir the surface with a pointed stick, 

 not too deep, and give water a few hours after. About a month of 

 this treatment should find each plant in the possession of four or five 

 leaves. Then prepare thumb pots with small crocks, cover the crocks 

 with clean moss or coarse cocoa-nut fibre, and fill with rich porous soil. 

 To these transfer the plants with extreme care, lifting each with as 

 much soil adhering to the roots as a skilful hand can make them 

 carry. Place them in a frame, or in the sheltered part of a green- 

 house, quite free from dripping water. Always give air on suitable 

 days, and on the leeward side of the house. 



Keep a sharp look-out for aphis, to the attacks of which Calceo- 

 larias are peculiarly liable. Tobacco smoke is the best remedy, and 

 it should be given in the evening ; a still atmosphere renders the 

 operation more certain. Water carefully on the following morning, 

 and shade from the sun. 



By September the plants should be in large 6o-pots, and it is then 

 quite time to begin the preparation for wintering. Some growers put 



