282 ALPINE FLOWERS. Part 11. 



and have some shelter. They would cause little or no trouble, 

 save taking up, dividing, and replanting every second or third 

 year, or as often as they become too crowded or lanky. The 

 very common kinds may be planted as edgings, or in beds in 

 the spring garden. Some have used them as edging plants for 

 the sake of their whitish leaves alone. In all places where the 

 plant naturally does freely, improved varieties should be substi- 

 tuted for the common old border kind. . The Auricula does not 

 do so well as could be desired around London — in the northern 

 suburbs, at all events ; and this is to be attributed more to the 

 soil than the air perhaps, as I have seen most vigorous ex- 

 amples in deep areas in London, the surface of the pots being 

 piled up with tea-leaves. 



Auriculas are easily propagated by division in spring or 

 autumn — best in early autumn. They are also easily raised 

 from seed, which ripens in July, the common practice being to 

 sow it in the following January in a gentle heat. It should 

 be sown in pans thinly. The plants need not be disturbed till 

 they are big enough to prick into a bed of fine rich and light 

 soil, on a half-shady border in the open air. It is a most de- 

 sirable practice to raise seedlings, as in this way we may obtain 

 many beautiful varieties. When a desirable variety is noticed 

 among the seedlings, it should be marked and placed under 

 conditions best calculated to ensure its health and rapid increase, 

 and propagated by division as fast as possible. 



As to the florists' varieties, endless precise descriptions of the 

 modes of culture considered necessary to success with these 

 have been given by good cultivators ; but the essential points 

 may be summed up in a few words. They require protection in 

 frames or pits during the winter and spring months ; and they 

 may be placed in the open air in summer and early autumn. 

 Their suitable winter quarters are shallow pits, in which they 

 are placed as near to the light as may be convenient, the lights 

 being left off in mild weather, and air being given at all times, 

 except in severe frosts. Air at night as well as by day is deci- 

 dedly beneficial. The aspect of the pit or frame may be the usual 

 one for the winter months ; but as soon as the plants begin to 

 show flower, they ought to be removed to one with a northern 

 exposure, so that the bloom may be prolonged. Here, with 

 abundance of air, they form objects of much interest and beauty 

 through the montli of April and the first weeks of May. After 



