200 THE FLORIST AND 



quality, partakes of a superstitious and retrograde movement, and 

 belongs to the old school. The fact is, all that is required, is a 

 tolerably rich and cool base, for if too poor the plant will be Weak 

 and the flowers correspondingly so, and if too rich the trusses are' 

 apt to become monstrosities, having irregular shaped flowers, and 

 too crowded to form a handsome bunch, with confused colours, and 

 undefined markings. In these remarks, I would not wish to detract 

 from the honor due to the old floral veterans, to whose zeal we owe 

 a debt of gratitude, whose exertions have produced many of the 

 Very best flowers, and without which we should have been minus 

 of many classes of the greatest beauty. Still we must move ahead 

 we live in an age of progress, and if we cannot accomplish greater 

 individual perfection, we can certainly attain to the same by more 

 simple means. To grow the Auricula, plant in a tolerably rich soil, 

 a suitable compost may be formed, by mixing two thirds fresh loam 

 from a pasture, and one third cow dung, well rotted, and laid in a 

 heap a few months before being used. Fresh dung injures the colours, 

 and causes the plant to grow too rank and deficient in substance, 

 wdien thin and papery flowers are the consequence. 



The Auricula may be grown in pots, or planted out into frames, 

 or the open ground. If it is desirable to have a show of this 

 flower in the green-house or parlour window; about the middle of 

 August, prepare a quantity of six inch pots, place in the bottom of 

 each, about an inch of broken crocks, or what is better the same 

 depth of lumps of charcoal, over this put a layer of moss or fibry 

 turf, to prevent the soil from falling down amongst the drainage, 

 next fill in a portion of the above mentioned compost, and place 

 into the centre of each pot a good and strong single crown. Before 

 planting examine the roots and cut away any decayed portions, 

 spread them out carefully, and fill up to the rim with soil, press it a 

 little tight about the crown, and give the pot a smart rap or two 

 upon the potting bench, which will settle all and leave a little space 

 for future watering, do not plant too deep, but let the collar of the 

 plant be somewhat elevated, which will prevent damping off, after 

 potting give a good watering, but do not repeat this afterwards 



