NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 95 



is at all exposed to the mid-day or afternoon sun, shading, 

 will be required in the hottest hours. Mild, warm rains 

 will be beneficial, but heavy rains must be guarded against,, 

 either by canvas or glass. 



Winter Treatment. From the first to the middle of 

 April is a good time for removing the plants to their Winter 

 quarters. This may be a cold frame ; the pots should stand 

 on rough coal ashes. The frame should face north. Plenty 

 of air must be admitted on all fine days. No rain should 

 fall on the plants in Winter, and, if they become dry, the 

 foliage should not be wetted, as, if long wet, mildew is 

 likely to seize them. Nothing in the shape of a yellow leaf 

 should be twice seen. The pots should stand within six 

 inches of the glass. The general stock of auriculas may be 

 successfully wintered in the open if provided with shelter 

 from excessive wet and wind. 



Spring Treatment. In August, during a fine day, pick 

 up the surface soil, throw off as much as you can without 

 injuring the roots, and refill with rather rich, dry compost of 

 equal parts of old, decayed manure, sweet loam, and sharp 

 sand, using it in a dry state and pressing it firmly against 

 the collar. Take this opportunity to add or replace fresh 

 ashes, and thoroughly to clean and whitewash the frame 

 inside with fresh lime. A watering will, before long, be 

 wanted. When water is given after the end of August, it 

 should be carefully applied to the soil, without touching the 

 leaves, or the heart of the plant. As the flowering period 

 approaches, remove the plants individually to a south aspect 

 in a frame, and give air and shelter according to the weather. 

 A little manure water once a week during October and 

 November will be of great advantage in giving size to the 

 flower and strength to the stem. This treatment refers only 

 to those plants which are grown for show purposes. 



Calceolaria, or Lady Slipper. Calceolarias are 

 divided into two classes herbaceous and shrubby ; the former 

 are only suitable for pot culture, the latter for open borders- 

 and flower beds. 



Characteristics of a good Flower. If the flowers are 

 equally good, the more shrubby the plants are the better, as 

 the foliage makes a fine background for the flowers. The 



