Gardening for Amateurs 



419 



sity to hide the green por- 

 tion. The grey-edged varieties 

 occupy an intermediate posi- 

 tion between the previous 

 two, the farina not being of 

 sufficient density entirely to 

 hide the green. 



The selfs are quite distinct 

 from any of the preceding. 

 There is the same yellow 

 or yellowish eye, and the 

 centre of dense white paste, 

 but the rest of the flower 

 consists of one solid colour, 

 often maroon, violet, red, or 

 yellow. Fancies are flowers 

 that do not conform to any 

 of the above rules, and though 

 not much appreciated by the 

 strict florists, they are never- 

 theless very pretty. 



Although the flowers of the 

 Auricula constitute its chief 

 charm, the foliage itself is 

 very handsome. This is ow- 

 ing to the meal with which 

 the leaves are sprinkled 

 to a greater or lesser extent. ( 



In some of the varieties it 

 is so dense that the foliage 

 appears to be covered with the finest snow. 



Alpine Auriculas. The Alpine Auriculas 

 are without any farina on leaf or flower, 

 from which circumstance, combined with 

 their additional vigour, they are better 

 adapted for the outdoor garden than the 

 other kinds. The choicer forms are well 

 \\orth growing under glass, where they will 

 gain many admirers, though they may not 

 be so much appreciated by the connoisseur. 



How Auriculas are Grown. With 

 regard to the successful cultivation of the 

 choice Auriculas it should be remembered 

 that the original kind is a native of alpine 

 regions, consequently a free circulation of 

 air. without any suspicion of stuffiness, is 

 nnxt essential to their well-being. They are 

 usually grown in frames which can be freely 

 ventilated. If it can be so managed the 

 frame should face south during the dull days 

 of the year and north in summer. Fre- 

 quently, however, this is not practicable, in 

 wliich case a south or west aspect is best as 



^^^"^^^^^^^^^^^^"^^^^^^^ 

 irey-edged show Auricula George Rudd. 



{From a photograph sent by Mr. J. L. Gibson.) 



a permanent site for the frame. Where 

 Auriculas are largely grown a house is 

 usually devoted to them, into which they are 

 removed from the frames about the end 

 of February. By most growers, however, 

 they are kept altogether in frames, and taken 

 into the greenhouse only when the flowers 

 are on the point of expansion. 



What to do Each Month. The treat- 

 ment throughout the year is as follows : 

 During the three winter months the plants 

 need little attention, except to ventilate 

 freely whenever the weather is suitable, to 

 remove any signs of decay, and to keep the 

 plants as dry as possible overhead, and the 

 soil only slightly moist, though not allowing 

 it to become dust dry. In the event of severe 

 frosts it is essential th.it the frame be well 

 protected. By February signs of activity 

 will be manifest, when a little more water 

 will be needed. Towards the end of the 

 month any offsets large enough for removal 

 may be taken of!. They should be potted 



