36 



fibres to be formed ; this has been a practice here for many years 

 and is undoubtedly of great assistance to the plants in many 

 ways ; they will flag a little but soon recover and are ready to 

 plant out in October. Planting should be done if possible 

 without causing the plants to flag ; I find those that flag much 

 are almost certain to die if severe frosts follow in the winter ; 

 in moist districts it is advisable to plant thinly in the 

 beds to allow the leaves to dry at every opportunity, fog and 

 misty rain continuing for several days are more fatal to them 

 than severe frosts. 



CLASS IV. 



'Plants raised from seeds sown two or more years before 

 required to flower. 



Auriculas. The alpine varieties are the most satisfactory 

 for outdoor culture as they have more vigour in them ; they 

 may be easily raised from seed if it is sown in pans in March. 

 These must be put in a cold pit or frame and be kept cool 

 and moist until the plants get four leaves ; after this stage so 

 much care will not be necessary, but these plants need 

 moisture and partial shade at all times. They may be planted 

 out in the open after the hottest weather is over, but will not 

 be ready for use in beds until they are eighteen months old ; 

 when the plants get large enough they may also be increased 

 by division (see page 21). 



Helleborus foetidus. This is a very slow growing plant 

 when small and it often takes two or more years before the 

 seed germinates ; it should be sown in the open ground as 

 soon as ripe, and be left in the seed bed a year or more after 

 it comes up. It grows quickly after it gets six inches high 



