Pansies. 269 



Uncover the bed, taking out the oak-leaves, and the plants will be found 

 in fine condition, and with gentle waterings, sun, and air, will soon start 

 into growth. They will soon show bloom, and for six weeks will well repay 

 the labor bestowed upon them. 



If large plants are required, pinch out the end of the leading shoots, 

 which will cause lateral branches to break. When the warm weather 

 comes, the flowers will grow small, and will continue so through the sum- 

 mer; but in autumn they will again grow larger, though the late flowers are 

 seldom equal to those produced in spring, either in color, size, form, or 

 markings. 



Water should only be given when the plants are dry. If the soil is kept 

 too wet, the plants are liable to damp ofl"; yet, as drought affects the plants 

 badly, the soil should never become very dry. 



Another method of growing pansies is to pot the young plants in small 

 pots, and set them in a frame, filling coal-ashes between the pots. Treat as 

 above directed ; and, when desirable to force the plants, take them into the 

 greenhouse. 



We do not, however, recommend parlor or greenhouse culture : the pansy 

 succeeds best in a frame or in the garden. 



Seed cannot be relied upon for the propagation of varieties. Some of 

 the dark kinds come true from seed ; but it is an exception to the rule. 

 Seed saved from a fine bed of pansies will, however, usually give very 

 fine seedlings. 



Fine varieties must be perpetuated by cuttings, which should be the side- 

 shoots, taken off about two inches long, and set half their length in sandy 

 loam, under a bell-glass. Shade from the direct sun and keep well 

 watered until rooted. As soon as they begin to grow (which is a sign they 

 are rooted), they should be carefully transplanted to the place where they 

 are to bloom. 



When plants get large and straggling, cut them down ; and the young 

 shoots which will come up make good cuttings. 



The only enemies of the pansy are green fly and damp : fumigation with 

 tpbacco easily removes the former, and care in watering prevents the latter. 



A pansy may be very large, showy, and well colored, and yet not be a 

 florist's flower. The flowers which come up to the rules of perfection are 



