Gardening for Amateurs 



421 



are a suitable size for most Auriculas. 

 After potting is completed the lights must be 

 kept closed, and the plants shaded from 

 sunshine until the roots take possession of 

 the new soil, which they will do in two or 

 three weeks. Subsequently plenty of air 

 must be given. Watering should be care- 

 fully carried out, especi- 

 ally until the plants be- 

 come well rooted. 



June. During this 

 month the work is prin- 

 cipally of a routine 

 character, such as water- 

 ing, giving air, etc. The 

 plants must have all the 

 air possible ; if the lights 

 can be removed they 

 benefit by being exposed 

 to warm showers. If 

 the plants are not in a 

 frame facing north they 

 must be protected from 

 the full rays of the sun 

 by shading, but it should 

 not be left on any longer 

 than is absolutely neces- 

 sary, otherwise the plants 

 will become drawn and 

 weak. 



July. The general 

 work during this month 

 is much the same as for 

 June. Constant super- 

 vision is, however, neces- 

 sary, as sometimes cater- 

 pillars of different kinds 

 put in an appearance, 

 and soon do a great 

 deal of damage. 



August. Should any 

 of the offsets require 

 larger pots, repotting 

 should be done this 

 month, for, in common 

 with many other plants, the Auricula is 

 .ilu.iys in active growth Just before the 

 advent of autumn. 



September. The heavy dews often ex- 

 perienced at this time during mild weather 

 are very beneficial to the Auricula. A few 

 flower spikes sometimes push up, but these 

 should be removed without delay. 



October. If during the summer the plants 

 have been sheltered in a frame facing north 

 they should now be removed to one facing 

 the south, as they benefit by the little sun- 

 shine that reaches them during the winter. 



November and December. The chief work 

 during these months is to give air, and see 



A frame suitable for the cultivation of Auriculas. 



that the plants are kept clean and dry. Very 

 little water is needed, but enough must be 

 given to prevent the soil becoming dust dry. 

 The frame also needs protection during 

 frost. 



Insect Pests. Few insect pests trouble 

 the Auricula, by far the worst being the 

 Auricula aphis, whose scientific name is 



