GROUPS OF GARDEN FLOWERS 15 



the keen cutting east winds we frequently experience in March. It is 

 well to ventilate freely, but disastrous results would follow if the venti- 

 lators were freely opened on the east side during these frost winds ; 

 and if the frosts are (as they may be) severe, it is as well to have a little 

 heat in the hot-water pipes, for if the Auricula truss is frozen in process 

 of development the flowers seldom open well ; but beware of anything 

 approaching to a forcing temperature, which would be sure to cause 

 weakly, drawn-up stems and small flowers. In April the flowers de- 

 velop, and in that month the Auricula exhibitions are held, and no 

 flowers are more likely to be injured by the sun, therefore it is necessary 

 to shade, and at the same time see that the shading is removed as soon 

 as it is not needed. Those amateurs who intend to exhibit for prizes 

 must have a good knowledge of particular varieties. Some will last in 

 full beauty for three or four weeks, others will go wrong after as many 

 days. The selfs last but a little time in good condition, and it is really 

 necessary to keep them out in the frames three or four weeks longer 

 than the edged varieties, if they are to be in flower at the same time. 

 The plants must be free from green-fly before the flower trusses appear. 

 The amateur who delights in his plants will not fail to give them all 

 the attention they require when they are in flower, such as careful atten- 

 tion to watering, protecting the delicate blossoms from rough winds and 

 bright sunshine. 



With the advent of May the blooming season is well-nigh over, 

 and, as the flowers decay, they must be pinched off at the base of the 

 foot-stalks, leaving the main stem to die off gradually ; and the plants 

 must be removed to the summer quarters on the north side of a wall or 

 building of some kind, and after being in the frames for a week or two 

 they may be repotted. The Auricula requires to be repotted once a 

 year, and if the best results are to be obtained the sooner it is done 

 after flowering the better. 



In repotting, that very troublesome parasite, the Auricula aphis 

 (Trama Auricula) cannot be ignored. It is to be found in every large 

 collection, and clusters round the roots, principally amongst the drainage, 

 and frequently round the neck of the plants. Apply methylated spirit 

 with a small brush to the affected parts. This will destroy the aphis 

 and will not injure the tender roots. A good portion of the old exhausted 

 soil must be removed, and the plant returned to a well-drained flower-pot, 

 similar in size to the one it was removed from. Young, vigorous plants 

 that may have flowered in smaller pots than are used for full-grown 

 ones ought to receive a larger shift, but the maximum size ought not 

 to exceed 5 inches diameter inside measure 4 inches to 4^ inches would 

 be the most useful sizes. The potting soil should be composed of good, 

 fibrous, yellow loam four parts, decayed manure one part, and one part 

 of leaf -mould. This may not seem a very rich compost ; but it is not 

 well to grow the Auricula into mere leaf, as it causes the flowers to lose 

 their highly refined character, so greatly admired by the fanciers. After 

 repotting, the frame lights should be kept over them for a week or so, 

 and they must also be shaded from the sun. Never shut the lights down 



