Feb.] FLOWER GARDEN. ^59 



In planting the above, or any other sorts, particularly at this 

 early period, observe to preserve balls of earth about their roots, 

 to dispose them regularly, and intermix the different kinds in such 

 order as there may be a variety of colours, as well as a regular 

 succession of flowers in every part during the flowering season. 



Jluricidas. 



The choice kinds of auriculas in pots must now be treated with 

 more than ordinary care, for their flower-buds will soon begin to 

 advance; therefore the plants should be carefully defended from 

 frost and cold heavy rains. 



This must be done by a good covering of glass and mats, but 

 every mild and dry day the plants must be entirely uncovered. 



Any old decayed leaves should be picked oft" as they appear, the 

 earth loosened at the top of the pots, some of it taken out and re- 

 placed with good fresh compost mould. This will encourage the 

 pushing of young roots from immediately under the leaves, which 

 will greatly strengthen the plants. 



Be very cautious however not to force those plants at this season, 

 for that would prevent their flowering in any tolerable perfection; 

 all they require, is to be protected from severe frost, snow, cutting 

 winds and cold rains; they are to have no bottom heat whatever, 

 nor are the glasses to be kept close in any kind of sunshine that 

 might produce a strong heat in the frame; on the contrary, they 

 must get as much air as possible, by taking the glasses oft' every 

 sunny or mild day, and replacing them at night and in cold weather; 

 and when you cannot take them totally oft", raise them a little 

 behind, or slide them either up or down, at every favourable op- 

 portunitv. A little frost will not do them much injury, especially 

 until their flower buds begin to appear, but after that, they must 

 be carefully protected therefrom: cold heavy rains is their utter 

 enemy at all times, against which you must carefully guard. 



Soiv Auricula and Polyanthus Seeds. 



Auricula and polyanthus seed may be sown any time in this 

 month; they will grow freely, and the plants from this sowing will 

 rise well. The seeds may be sown in boxes, or large pots filled 

 with light rich earth, and covered about the eighth of an inch deep; 

 then place the pots or boxes in a hot-bed frame at work, give them 

 frequent but light sprinklings of water, both before and after the 

 plants appear, and a reasonable proportion of air at favourable op- 

 portunities: by this means you will have a fine crop of seedlings, 

 handsomely advanced towards the beginning of May; when, after 

 all danger from frost is over, (for these being tenderly raised, would 

 be subject to injury therefrom) take the pots or boxes out of the 

 frame, and place them where they can have only the morning sun 

 till ten o'clock, and that of the afternoon after five, during the 

 remainder of the summer. The mid-day sun you must carefully 

 guard against, for it would totally destroy your plants. 



