298 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



each other's way; and the footstalks ought to be strong and elastic to keep them from 

 hanging down at the stem, which they will if the footstalks are weak." 



Varieties are numerous, but are principally grown without names. As described 

 and shown on pp. 20G and 215, antirrhinums may be raised from seeds sown early in 

 the autumn, in pans or boxes, in preference to sowing in the spring, though thousands 

 of seedlings are raised under glass in February and March ; and established varieties 

 are also better increased by cuttings inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame in September 

 or October than in heat in spring, for though these emit roots quickly, the plants are 

 less sturdy than those raised under cooler conditions. 



Naturally, only the cutting-raised plants can be depended upon to come true to name, 

 seed saved from a collection of plants giving a great variety of colours; but if "rogues," 

 or inferior forms, are weeded out directly they flower, the strain will not degenerate, 

 but rather improve. Autumn-raised seedlings may be wintered in cold frames, pits, or 

 on a cool greenhouse shelf, as also may plants rooted from cuttings in boxes or pans ; 

 those inserted in beds in frames remaining there till the spring. 



In April or early in May, transfer to the beds where the plants are desired to 

 flower. Plant 15 to 18 inches asunder in moderately rich well-prepared soil. Mulch 

 early, and place light stakes to the flower spikes before they become crooked or break 

 down. The timely removal of the first flower spikes after they have ceased to be 

 ornamental, will lead to the production of numerous side spikes and a display of flowers 

 till late in the year. 



Though very few persons grow named collections of antirrhinums, those who 

 desire to do so may commence with the following varieties: — 



Aglaia. 



Agnes. 



Brightness. 



Ceres. 



Charming. 



Distinction. 

 George McLeod. 

 Grand Cross. 

 Hendersoni. 

 John McLaren. 



Sensation. 

 Snowflake. 

 The Moor. 

 Venus. 



William Menzies. 



THE AUEICULA. 



Gradually, through some three hundred years of special culture, the Auricula has 

 developed properties and powers, of which small signs, or none at all, appear among the 

 wild species of Primula Auricula, from which it has been elaborated. It is also far 

 removed from those types of the plant sometimes seen yet in garden beds and borders. 



Where, however, historical links in its past are lost, the "florists' Auricula" will 



