362 Culture of Herbaceous Calceolarias. 



CULTURE OF HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS. 



In the first place, every endeavor should be made to secure a packet of 

 first-class seed fi-om a well-proven source, as the bad sorts require just the 

 same space and attention as the good : besides, the pleasure, in the end, of 

 having a superior to an inferior quality of flowers, will infinitely outbalance 

 the extra trouble and expense. 



About the beginning of July, the seeds ought to be sown in pans well 

 drained, on the following compost, after being thoroughly incorporated : 

 two-fourths rich fibry loam, one-fourth leaf-mould and old mushroom-bed 

 dung, one-fourth silver or river sand ; the whole put through a fine riddle. 

 Fill the pans about half up with crocks, putting a thin layer of the fibry 

 portions of the riddlings over the crocks ; the remaining half fill with the 

 soil, when slightly press and smooth the surface ; then scatter over the 

 seeds, and finish with sifting a little soil over, and give a sprinkling of water 

 through a fine rose. 



The pans may be placed in a shaded part of a pit or frame, near the 

 glass, where they can get a little bottom-heat ; or, better, on the back shelf 

 of a vinery, near the ventilators, where they may have the advantage of 

 both heat and air. If the vine-rods are insufficient to shade the pans with 

 their leaves, pieces of glass, whitewashed above, will be found necessary 

 to cover them until the plants have made some progress, and can stand 

 exposure. 



Remove daily the drops that will gather on the under surface of the glass, 

 so that they do not fall among the young plants ; and never permit the 

 plants or soil to get dry or crusted, but keep both slightly moist with 

 water. 



When the seedlings have made sufficient strength to be handled, prick 

 them in lines into boxes, and give a good shower through a fine rose, that 

 will lay the earth to their roots ; and return them to their old quarters, 

 shading as before until they are on their feet again, when they may be 

 removed to a cold frame or pit. Place them near the glass, shading in 

 strong sunshine, and giving sufficient air to harden them off" by degrees to 

 the full exposure of air and light. 



