EEPORT or THE COMMITTEE OX GARDENS. 293 



removal of plants enables us to keep off overhead moisture. I 

 have tried every known means to circumvent the disease, but 

 have come to the conclusion that there is no cure for diseased 

 plants in an advanced stage, and it is a waste of time and labor 

 to try remedies. Much can be done, however, to keep healthy 

 stock from becoming weak, by taking off all the runners at this 

 season." 



The paper of ]Mr. Alexander McKay, gardener to David Kevins, 

 who has been a successful grower and exhibitor of violets for 

 several years, which is appended, will be read with interest ; the 

 frames placed in competition for the prize were well grown ; in- 

 deed, they were the best your Committee have seen. 



Violet Culture ix Frames. 



The method of cultivation pursued is very simple, and differs 

 in detail but slightly from that in general practice. Cuttings 

 from the strongest runners are obtained at various times during 

 the winter, being taken from the healthiest and most vigorous 

 plants. They are trimmed and planted in boxes of sandy soil, 

 and kept in the greenhouse until well rooted and growing vigor- 

 ously. They are then transferred to the cold frames, where they 

 remain until planted in the field. 



A position where the plants will be shaded part of the day is 

 chosen for their summer growth. A heavy coat of fine manure 

 is given, spread on evenly. 



Planting is done early in May, setting in rows eighteen inches 

 apart each Avay. Hoeing to keep the weeds down and the soil 

 loose, and pulling off useless runners as they appear, are strictly 

 attended to during the growing season, 



About the 20th of September the best plants are lifted and 

 planted in frames, space enough being left between the plants to 

 allow a free circulation of air. When planted they are thoroughly 

 watered, and the sashes, lightly shaded, are put on. Air is freely 

 given day and night as long as mild weather continues. When 

 freezing weather arrives they are covered nightly with mats and 

 shutters. Watering is performed with extra care from iSTovember 

 to the end of March, being confined to parts showing dry on the 

 surface. 



The soil used is composed of three parts of loam and one part 

 of old hotbed manure, with the addition of a light sprinkling of 



