70 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



frame on it ; then surface the earth with six inches of compost formed of equal parts of 

 loam, decomposed manure, fine sand and leaf-mould. Add about four inches of the same 

 soil with the addition of one part more sand. Press this down, water with a fine rose, 

 and, after letting it remain for an hour, insert the cuttings in lines about three inches 

 apart. Take care that each cutting rests firmly on its base and that it is well in con- 

 tact with the soil all the length below the surface. 



Water the cuttings through a fine rose, and keep the frame close and shaded from 

 sun for about a fortnight, when air may be gradually admitted and the shading removed. 

 Give air at all times, with the exception of during hard frost. In severe frost place a 

 mat over the frame. Should good weather prevail about a fortnight or so before 

 planting-out time in the spring, remove the frame from the plants. Be careful during 

 winter to remove all decaying leaves, and practise constant cleanliness about the frames. 

 Keep also a good look-out for slugs. If the cuttings are struck in boxes they must be 

 placed in frames ; the same routine to be adopted as if planted in soil in the frames 

 themselves. Division of old plants does not usually give the best results, but it may be 

 done in autumn or spring. 



Some growers in certain localities grow their pansies in pots, but this involves a 

 great deal of additional trouble. A good method of treatment in pots is as follows : — 

 In the beginning of October place stout plants in well-drained 4-inch pots filled with 

 good, open soil ; keep them in a cold frame with a southerly exposure, affording 

 sufficient light and air for promoting sturdy growth. During moderate weather the 

 frames are better without the lights, but when severe they may be put on and covered 

 with mats. Early in February the pansies ought to be shifted into larger pots 7 or 8 

 inches in diameter, filled with soil similar to that recommended for beds. Tie out the 

 stems and thin out the buds. In April remove to frames with a north exposure. 



The pansy occasionally withers away suddenly ; but it is difficult to give a cure 

 for this defect in the plant. It is also subject to the attacks of green fly and red 

 spider. Some insecticides are used for these in the proportions recommended on the 

 packages, but great care is needed in their application or the plants will be injured. 

 Vigorous growth in an open situation will generally ward off these enemies. For 

 slugs, water with lime water. 



Violas are generally hardier than either the show or fancy pansies, and, from 

 the tufted habit of many, they are more adapted for division than the pansies. It is 

 also found that they flower more freely if planted in the places where they are to 



