THE AURICULA. 289 



to tlie latter : it must, however, be confessed, that their 

 criteria of fine flowers are often arbitrary, and that, al- 

 though many of their favorites are examples of un- 

 doubted beauty, the eye of the unitiated would gene- 

 rally prefer the simpler hues of the self-colored flowers. 

 The auricula, though now almost wholly an artificial 

 plant, and strangely transformed from its original ap- 

 pearance, still inclines to a moist soil and shady situa- 

 tion. The florists' varieties are grown in rich composts, 

 for the preparation of which numberless receipts have 

 been given. We quote that of Mr. Hogg, of Padding- 

 ton, an experienced grower : " One barrow of rich yel- 

 low loam, or fresh earth from some meadow, or pasture- 

 land, or common, with the turf well rotted; one barrow- 

 load of leaf-mould, another of cow-dung, two years old 

 at least; and one peck of river, not &ea sand. For 

 strong plants intended for exhibition, add to the same 

 composition, as a stimulant, a barrowful of well-decayed 

 night-soil, with the application of a liquid manure be- 

 fore the top-dressing in February, and twice more, but 

 not oftener, in March. A portion of light, sandy, peat- 

 earth may be added, as a safe and useful ingredient, 

 particularly for plants kept in low damp situations." 



Auriculas may be propagated from seed. It is to be 

 sown in January or February in boxes, which are kept 

 under cover, and exposed only to the rays of the morn- 

 ing sun. When s^ed has been'saved from the finer sorts, 

 the operation is one of considera^ble nicety, as it not un- 

 frequcntly happens that the best seedlings are at first 

 exceedingly weak. The judicious grower never neglects 

 these, but rather nourishes them with double care. 

 They generally flower in the second or third year ; and 

 the florist is fortunate who obtains three or four good 



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