FEBRUARY 319 



management, perhaps starvation. A well-grown specimen, when the 

 buds show, will be two feet high, and bear examination all round. 



ANEMONE. Against the practice of planting Dutch and French 

 roots of this elegant flower we have not a word to say. On the 

 contrary, there is much to be advanced in its favour. Arrangements 

 of colour can be secured by it which are impossible of attainment 

 from seedlings. Still there can be no doubt that the supposed 

 necessity of depending alone on bulbs has proved a barrier to the 

 growth of Anemones in many gardens, and on a large scale. We 

 believe that an immense number will in future adorn borders in 

 autumn where few or none have been grown hitherto. The culture 

 of the plant from seed is of the simplest character, no appliances 

 whatever beyond those at the command of the humblest cottager 

 being necessary. The prime requisite is a rich moist soil. Where this 

 does not exist naturally, a liberal dressing of mellow cow-manure, 

 and, when necessary, a diligent employment of the water-can, will 

 render it possible to grow superb flowers of brilliant colour. The 

 best way of making the seed-bed is to open a trench, putting a layer 

 of decayed manure at the bottom, and mingling a further quantity 

 with the soil when it is returned. The addition of some light com- 

 post or sand to the surface may or may not be necessary to prepare 

 it for the seed. We prefer sowing in rows, and lightly scratching the 

 seed in. Some growers only sift a little sand over, and the practice 

 answers well. Pains must be taken to remove weeds until the seed- 

 lings appear, and it must be confessed that they are a long time 

 about it, because the seed is very slow in germinating. Thinning to 

 six inches apart, and keeping the bed clean and moist, constitute the 

 whole remainder of the work of growing Anemones. 



AURICULA. The Show Auricula is one of the reigning beauties 

 of the floral world, and, like the Rose, has its own special exhibitions. 

 Over its deep, soft colours, partially hidden by a veil of powder 

 technically called paste enthusiasts almost lose their heads. 

 And although the flower merits all the admiration it receives, yet it 

 must be confessed that some amateurs indulge in a great deal of 

 misplaced coddling in the work of raising it. One quality there 

 must be in the grower, and that is patience ; for seed saved from a 

 single plant in any given season, and sown at one time, will germinate 

 in the most irregular manner. Months may elapse between the 

 appearance of the first and last plant. The lesson to sow thinly is 

 obvious, so that the seedlings may be lifted as they become ready, 

 without disturbing the surrounding soil. Both the Show and Alpine 



