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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



in midwinter, in a close-fitting habit of a few short thick leaves ; the other at midsummer, 

 in foliage very abundant, large and loose. 



At both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes the plants are in great activity — the 

 winter leaves replaced by the beautiful foliage that graces and supports the flowers ; 

 and these leaves, as summer wanes, replaced in their turn by the autumn growth, that 

 continues fresh until, once more, the short hardy winter rosettes of leaves are left alone. 

 In every change of raiment, leaves should be removed when dead. 



By the end of January, the plants have started into growth, if not frost-bound, the 

 stimulus of lengthening daylight being more to them than rising temperature. So long, 

 however, as they are frozen in the pots, they should be kept shaded from any sunshine, 

 which can only distress foliage while the " water is cut off at the main." In February, 

 the leaf growth increases quickly, and still more rapidly in March, when the flower- 

 stems begin to show, and many of them to rise, while a few early sorts (chiefly of the 

 self-coloured class) will come into bloom, and there will be a succession, reaching its 

 height about mid April, till the early part of May. Some will attempt to flower again 

 in autumn, but the buds should be rubbed off when on about 2|-inch stems. Autumn 

 blooms are never in good character, and prevent the plant from making up a good heart 

 for the spring. 



Nearly every strong plant will produce more buds (often 30 and even more) than 

 can be equally good and correct flowers ; and on the principle of grape thinning, a 

 moderate number, each one well developed, is more effective and distinct than a confused 

 mass of crowded and crushed-up flowers. A head of from 7 or 9 to 14 flowers are as 

 many as an Auricula will finish well, even if as many are in the full character of the 

 variety. Thinning should be done gradually, as the buds show colour, or the whole 

 head may be checked. Innermost buds are the weakest in character, and sometimes 

 the largest are misformed. The work requires patience and judgment. 



Most varieties can support their own flower-stems, but as these are often set at 

 various angles, it is better to secure them all pretty upright, both on the score of 

 neatness and to avoid the danger of a touch, or a drop from the water-can, upon 

 the delicate mealed and velvety surfaces of the damageable flowers. For this reason 

 the busy bee is an abomination, which is generally at this season an inconsiderate 

 queenly " bumble," whose heavy touch will irremediably scratch and blur an Auricula 

 flower. 



When the bloom is over, all heads should (if not set for seed) be broken off, not 



