l8o THE NURSERY LIST. 



with or without a covering. The plant is tender at the 

 north. 



Auricula (Primula Auricula). Primulace<%. 



Propagated by seeds, sown as soon as ripe or in spring, 

 in well-drained pots filled with sandy soil, well watered 

 previous to sowing. Cover lightly with coarse sand, 

 place a pane of glass over the pot, and place the latter in 

 a hand-glass. By offsets, which should be removed when 

 top-dressed, as they are more likely to root. Arrange 

 about four offsets around the sides of well-drained 3-inch 

 pots, filled with sandy soil, place under a bell-glass or in 

 a close hand-light, and water very sparingly so as to pre- 

 vent them damping off. 



Australian Feather-palm. See Ptychosperma. 

 Averrhoa. Geraniacece. 



Increased in spring by half-ripened cuttings, which will 

 root in sand, under a hand-glass, with bottom heat. 



Azalea. Ericaceae. 



Increased by seeds, sown as soon as ripe, or early the 

 following spring, in a large, shallow frame containing 

 from 2 to 3 inches of peat, over which more peat must be 

 spread by means of a fine sieve ; do not cover, but water 

 thoroughly. Live sphagnum also makes an excellent 

 soil. When the seedlings begin to appear they should 

 have air, shade, and a daily sprinkling of water; trans- 

 plant in autumn in boxes of peat and coarse sand, water, 

 shade, and keep close until growth commences. Graft- 

 ing is largely practiced to increase the stock of named 

 varieties or choice seedlings, the stock most employed 

 being A. Pontica for hardy sorts, and some strong-grow- 

 ing variety of A. Indica, like Phoenicia, for tender ones. 

 Layering in spring, enclosing the part buried with moss, 

 is also practiced ; but the layer must be left two years 

 before separating. Cuttings of A. Indica made of the 

 hardened wood 2 or 3 inches long, taken with or with- 

 out a heel, root readily in sand; about the end of sum- 

 mer is the best time. When placed outside they should 

 be covered with a hand-light for about two months, and 

 at the end of that time air should be given freely. See 

 Rhododendron. 



Babiana. Iridacece. 



Propagated quickly by seeds sown in pans, placed in a 

 gentle heat. These will grow at almost any time. The 



