232 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



also because it offers the charm of constant diversity. The fact is 

 that our winter days are too brief and gloomy to maintain the splen- 

 dour of colouring which makes Coleus so attractive and valuable ; 

 and seed from a good strain may be relied on to produce plants 

 which will delight the eye all through the summer and autumn. Some 

 experienced men sow in February and succeed, but the majority of 

 cultivators will show prudence by waiting until March, when increased 

 daylight favours the rapid growth of the plants. Flower pots are 

 better than pans, as the greater depth affords opportunity of securing 

 effectual drainage. The pots should be nearly half filled with crocks, 

 covered with a layer of moss to prevent the soil from being washed 

 away. Fill them with light turfy loam, mingled with almost an equal 

 bulk of sharp sand. Make an even surface, on which sow thinly, 

 and shake over the seed a slight covering of fine soil. Place the 

 pots in a temperature of not less than 65. Watering needs particular 

 care, because of the peculiar liability of the young plants to damp 

 off, especially in dull weather. The strongest seedlings are pretty 

 certain to be those in which green and black predominate, and 

 therefore they may without scruple be removed to make way for the 

 slower-growing but better coloured specimens. These should be 

 transplanted round the edges of pots while quite small ; and such 

 as show delicate tints, especially those having pink markings on a 

 golden ground, are worth nursing through the early stage with extra 

 care. The pots must be shaded from direct sunshine, but should be 

 kept near the glass. In May the plants will be large enough for 

 48-sized pots, beyond which there is no occasion to go. When the 

 pots become full of roots the foliage increases in brilliancy, whereas 

 larger pots encourage free growth to the detriment of colour. An 

 occasional dose of concentrated manure administered in water will 

 maintain the plants in health. 



COLUMBINE. See AQUILEGIA 



CYCLAMEN 



Half-hardy perennial 



CYCLAMENS afford a striking example of the advantages of the rapid 

 system of cultivation. Seed may be sown at any time of the year, 

 and the plants will not only flower within twelve months, but if 



