THE AURICULA. 155 



SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE IN AURICULAS. 



ANY time in the year when you perceive an Auri- 

 cula grow crooked, and throw its top or head on one 

 side, like a hen with the pip, as an old gardener 

 once observed, it is evident disease has commenced : 

 the plant must be taken up immediately if you wish 

 to save it, and be carefully examined. The roots 

 ought to be washed, and every unsound part cut 

 away. Cracks in the side are indicative of decay. 

 A purplish hue at the bottom of the leaves and 

 round the neck, denotes danger of mortification. 

 When plants have been removed into fresh compost 

 for some time, and begin to look sulky and sickly, 

 and make no progress, you may take it for granted 

 that they dislike their food : remove them again into 

 a simple compost of fresh sweet loam, sand, and leaf 

 mould, till they recover their verdure. 



Incautious watering in the heart or cup formed by 

 the leaves will often occasion decay, particularly in 

 winter, when there is neither wind to dry, nor sun 



