FLOWERS FOR SUBURBAN GARDENS 375 



slimy. Whatever kind of pots are used, they should be drained 

 with an inch or so of crocks and lumps of soil, such as flakes 

 of leaf-mould. The soil should be pressed firmly round the 

 plants, but not made absolutely hard. The plants should be 

 replaced in the frame, on a bed of cool ashes or a low wooden 

 stage, and kept close and on the dry side for a week, by the end 

 of which time the roots ought to be working freely again. Atten- 

 tion to watering and ventilating will be all that is requisite until 

 February, when the plants may be deprived of any offsets which 

 have formed, and top-dressed. It is customary to place the frames 

 in positions facing north during the summer, and facing south 

 during the winter. 



A sharp look-out should be kept for the Auricula louse and 

 for green fly, which must be brushed away before they have time 

 to spread and cause injury. 



Auriculas grown for garden decoration in late spring may con- 

 sist entirely of mixed seedlings, but there are certain select named 

 varieties grown which are particularly fine, and well worthy of 

 special attention. Border Auriculas, like most of the Primrose 

 family, love a cool, holding soil. They do not care for poor, dry, 

 sun-baked spots. They make delightful beds in May, and may 

 be associated with Cottage and Darwin Tulips if desired ; but care 

 should be taken to plant thinly, because these Tulips are very 

 strong growers, and need a good deal of room. The Auriculas 

 may be lifted after flowering, the decaying trusses picked off, and 

 planted in a spare bed. They will come in again for future use. 



Having touched upon the principal points in the culture of 

 Auriculas, we may now proceed to give selections of varieties, 

 including some from the various sections. 



Green-edged 

 John Garrett. 

 Julian. 

 Rev. F. D. Horner. 



Grey-edged 

 Colonel Champneys. 

 George Rudd. 

 Richard Headly. 



White-edged 



Acme. 



Heather Bell. 

 Reliance. 



Selfs 



Black Bess. 

 Heroine. 

 Mrs. Potts. 

 Ruby. 



