CYCLAMENS. 



the well-directed efforts of florists, did the value of cyclamens become fully appreciated, 

 their culture only becoming general during the past twenty years. Even now too few 

 plants are grown, this being due to so many failures having occurred owing to faulty 

 methods of cultivation. No more serviceable winter-flowering plant can be named. 

 The season commences in October, and extends to March and April, some of the varie- 

 ties producing tiowers during the greater part of that time. Well-grown plants are 



Fig. 2. Raisins and Growing Cyclamens. — Faulty Peactice. 

 a, crowded seedlings ; b, spindled plant ; c and d, unsatisfactory growth. 



charming, both foliage and blooms being attractive, and in a cut state the latter arc; 

 good for vases, bouquets, and other kindred purposes. 



Raising the Plants. 



Cyclamens are raised from seed only, and experts attach far more importance to the 

 way in which this is sown than does the average gardener. Raising the plants thickly 

 in pots or pans is the greatest initial mistake that can be made. There must be no 



c 2 



