PANSY, OR HEART'S EASE. 211 



a sandy loam, and as evenly as possible ; for if crowded, 

 the largest plants would cause the smaller to damp off It 

 will be necessary to keep them well watered ; and when 

 the seedlings have acquired a few leaves, transplant them. 

 On one point I would caution young beginners: never 

 transplant in the months of June, July, or August, as the 

 weather in this country is too warm ; consequently your 

 plants would die for want of nourishment, before they 

 could make fresh root. 



Roots may be divided at any time in the year, with the 

 exception of the months above named, for transplanting. 

 In dividing the roots, do not use a knife, let it be done 

 with your fingers, and let each part be furnished with root 

 fibres ; and before you put them into the ground or pot, be 

 sure you wash the soil from the roots. The Pansy is a 

 great deteriorator of soil, which makes it absolutely neces- 

 sary to use this precaution, to meet with success. Cuttings 

 make the best plants, and produce the largest flowers ; and 

 the cultivator's success depends on this system of operation. 

 Cuttings should be taken from young and healthy plants, 

 and not exceed three joints, which must be cut with a very 

 sharp knife close to the joint. If the knife is dull, it will 

 press the joint injuriously, and cause a failure, and if you 

 leave any wood below the joint, it will rot ; therefore be 

 careful, and avoid a stem that is hollow, or you will fail. 



When your cuttings are ready, water the soil in the pot, 

 and when settled, put in the cuttings to nearly one inch of 

 the top, and press the soil close about them ; then cover 

 them with a small bell glass, or tumbler, to exclude the 

 air ; place them in the shade for about two weeks ; give 



