THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Auricula seed is of very irregular germination, a succession of seedlings appearing- 

 from between three weeks to the second year after sowing. 



Seedlings. — The majority of these flower in the second year of their age, and are 

 a long time in a very small state. They require watching with care during infancy ; 

 should be pricked out when in rough leaf, and afterwards according to their growth, 

 which varies much. Moss on the seed pans, and among small seedlings, is an annoy- 

 ance, and should be kept down, while young, by sprayings of fresh lime water, till it is 

 destroyed. 



Offsets. — These are fit to take off as soon as they have a heel of their own. 

 They may or may not be rooted ; but if not, they will strike in a bold, rough compost, 

 abounding in coarse white sand. Insert them round the pot edge, with glass over 

 them till they root. This covering should be tilted to admit air, and decaying leaves 

 should be removed. 



Cuttings. — Tops taken off old plants, if it is desirable to increase the stock as 

 rapidly as possible, may be treated similarly to offsets. Side growths usually follow 

 the decapitation, and these, when strong enough, can be made into cuttings in turn. 

 The illustrations (Fig. 143) will be elucidatory. 



Snails and slugs would work great havoc on the bodies of small seedlings, young 

 foliage of offsets, and among the buds and flowers of the Auricula, which they utterly 

 ruin. Even if there are none in the house, pilgrims of this tribe, attracted by the 

 scent of the flowers, may arrive any night. So the nightly watch should be kept on 

 through the blooming season. 



Cultivation. 



The Auricula is not really a difficult plant to grow, but, with dog-like perception, it 

 soon knows who is really fond of it, and only declines to stay with those who have no 

 regard for it, except, perhaps, when in flower. 



Here shall follow brief notes on the different points that truly are of import in its- 

 successful culture. 



Shading.— If the plants are grown the year round in a southern aspect, they will 

 peremptorily require shading from all bright sun from early in March to early October. 



The coolest, best, most durable, and well-known means, is that formed of a series of 

 long, thin, narrow laths, linked together, with a j-inch space between each, admitting 

 light and even sunshine, but in such an everchanging play of narrow rays that the 

 chequered light is grateful, not distressing. These rolls of laths will as effectively keep- 



