130 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The Pansy. — Since we are about to discuss the cultivation of 

 the Pans}' as an annual, the first question that presents itself to 

 our minds is, What strain of seed shall we plant? and this ques- 

 tion brings up another, What are the properties of a perfect 

 flower ? 



Substance of petal is the most important point. However per- 

 fect may be the form, however beautiful the color or large the 

 flower — if it is weak and flimsy its beauty is destroyed. The 

 petals must be thick and velvety, a condition which will enabk- the 

 flowers to keep well after being gathered. 



The second point is Form. The petals must be so disposed as 

 to form almost a perfect circle, yet I think the two upper petals 

 should be a little longer than tlie others, so as to just break the 

 circle. The maigin must be smooth and thi' petals perfectly llat ; 

 not turning up at the edges, which defect spoils a great man}- 

 flowers otherwise perfect. 



The next requirement which demands our attention relates to 

 Color. Whatever the color, it should be clear and pure ; with the 

 eye large and distinct. 



Lastly comes Size ; of course it is desirable to have good sized 

 flowers, but size is the least important point of a good pansy. 



I believe judges usually adopt the following scale of points : — 

 form, four points; substance, three ; color, two; and size, one ; 

 if I were to attempt to improve upon tliis scale, I should sa}'. Give 

 to substance four points, or perhaps even five ; and let us have 

 some good, heavy, velvety pansies. 



Kefening to my diary I find March 10 has been the average date 

 for planting pans}' seed ; and May 20 for setting the plants in the 

 open ground. The young plants are treated in the same way as 

 the asters, and are transi)lanted into beds as soon as the ground 

 becomes dry and warm. The beds are prepared for the reception 

 of these plants as previousU' described ; except that thoroughly 

 rotted cow dung is the only manure used ; horse manure should be 

 avoided. Set the plants two feet apart each wa}', and water thor- 

 oughly in dr\' weather. Almost as soon as tlie i)laiits have be- 

 come established in their new position, tlicy will begin to bloom ; 

 and uidess they are closely watched, nnd all the buds are picked 

 off as they form, the plants will exhaust themselves in producing a 

 few very inferior (lowers, and grow very spindlingly. 



From the day that the plants are transphmled into the open 



