66 



from the dryness of the earth, the moisture of their 

 systems is absorbed. {Flor. Journ. 258). 



FEBRUARY. 



At the close of this month, or very early in 

 March, accordingly as the season is forward or late, 

 the pots of plants for blooming must be dressed. So 

 soon as the weather appears settled for a succession 

 of mild days, carefully take as much earth out of 

 the top of the pots as you can, without disturbing 

 the roots, and put in fresh compost, formed of two 

 parts cow-dung and one part light loam. Be careful 

 not to fill the pots too full with this fresh compost, 

 but leave at least half an inch from the tops empty, 

 that the waterings may sink to the roots, and not run 

 over the edges ; by doing this you will more easily 

 be able to take off the decayed leaves from around 

 the plants. 



A still better plan is adopted by the Lancashire 

 Auricula growers. The soil is raised in the centre, 

 as represented in the following section. 



