38 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



soil being added. Pots 6 or 7 inches in diameter are suitable for the larger 

 plants. 



A good compost is two parts loam, the top spit of old pasture kept for 12 months, 

 half a part of cow manure two years old, half a part of well- decayed leaves, with a 

 little sand. After re-potting, water gently to settle the soil, and place the pots in 

 saucers or pans on the north side of a low wall. About the last week of August 

 remove to a west border or other open space, dispensing with the saucers if the weather 

 be moist, and placing the pots on a thick bed of ashes to keep out worms. About the 



garden pans or saucers, the moisture in these will aid in keeping off this enemy. 



Seeds may be sown in light sandy soil early in March, or as soon as ripe. The 

 soil in the boxes or pans should be made level and smooth. Scatter the seeds thinly, 

 and cover with a thin layer of earth. Press the soil down gently, and place a piece of 

 glass over the pan. Keep the soil moist, and admit air when the plants begin to 

 appear. The seedlings are very irregular in making their appearance, some being 

 months after the earlier ones. Seeds may also be sown in the open ground. Directions 

 for doing this will be found on page 241, Vol. I. 



Fig. 45. Primrose. 



last week of October remove to a frame with a 

 south aspect ; washing the pots if dirty ; seeing 

 that the drainage is clear; stirring the surface 

 soil ; removing weeds or moss and decaying 

 leaves ; and top dressing with fresh soil. Give 

 only enough of water to prevent the leaves 

 flagging. In hard frost cover at night with a 

 double covering of mats, or water-tight wood 

 covers. Give as much air as possible. About 

 February remove about an inch of the surface 

 soil, adding in its place a mixture of loam and 

 manure. Be careful not to injure the roots. 

 When the trusses begin to develop, remove the 

 plants to a frame or house with a north aspect, 

 shading from bright sun and protecting from 

 draughts. After flowering, place the pots on the 

 north side of a low wall. Eed spider is apt to 

 be troublesome, and if the pots are placed in 



