RAISING PANSIES. 



69 



the plants well stirred nearly every week. Never allow them to flag through want of 

 water ; and the application of one to two ounces of guano to the square yard two or 

 three times in the season, watering it in in the evening, is a great benefit. Syringe the 

 plants after very warm and dry days. 



If for exhibition, thin the stems out to three to each plant, and do not allow any 

 buds to remain which will open until about the time required. A week before the show 

 is generally a suitable time at which to stop disbudding, but much depends on the 

 weather. The pansy does not stand hot sun, and blooms for exhibition ought to be 

 shaded with tiffany or other light material, or with small covers of bent tin or stiff 

 pasteboard fastened to a small stake. 



The propagation of all sections of the pansy and viola is effected by seeds, cuttings, 

 and occasionally by division ; cuttings being, however, the best way of increasing 

 particular varieties. Eaising seedlings is very interesting work if the seeds are saved 

 from good flowers, and it is in this way that new varieties are obtained. Several good 

 strains of bedding pansies are offered under various names. 



The seeds may be sown as recommended on page 241, Vol. I., sowing them indoors 

 about the beginning of February. When the seedlings have made the second or true 

 leaf they should be pricked out in boxes in rows about 2 inches apart and 1\ inch 

 between the plants. A good compost is loam, leaf- mould and sand sifted through a 

 half-inch sieve. Place in a house or frame with gentle heat, keeping them near the 

 light, and, when established, give plenty of air. After making two or three pairs of 

 leaves, gradually harden off in cold frames, and then plant out where they will bloom. 

 Most of these will flower the same season, and all inferior ones must be discarded. Good 

 plants for bedding may be raised from seed sown in the open, as advised on 

 page 241, Vol. I. 



In propagating by cuttings avoid unhealthy and weak plants. Do not choose long, 

 thick, or hollow stems, but short ones from the base as near the root as possible, if they 

 can be obtained, with not fewer than four or five joints. If such are at command, with 

 a sharp knife cut off the leaves from two of the lower joints, then cut the stem right 

 across below the lowest joint. The cuttings may be inserted in soil surfaced with sand 

 in frames or boxes, the former being preferred. September is the best month for this 

 purpose. See pages 189 and 213, Vol. I. 



The frame ought to be placed so as to have a northerly exposure. Before placing 

 the frame in its position dig the earth where it is to stand one spade deep. Place the 



