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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE, 



which the plants remain to flower. Eich, turfy loam, with an admixture of fine mortar 

 rubbish, or crushed chalk, form a suitable compost. Make this quite firm in the pots, 

 and sow from nine to twelve seeds in each. Place the pots in a frame, keep the soil 

 uniformly moist and shaded till the seedlings appear, then admit light and air to keep 

 them sturdy. The first sowing may take place late in August for having flowering 

 plants by mid- winter ; from a second sowing a month later, the plants will flower early 

 in the following spring. The seedlings ought to be reduced very early to about seven 

 in a G-inch pot, or five in the 5-inch size. There must be no coddling, but care should 

 be taken not to over- water during the first six weeks, though the plants require 

 abundance of water, varied with liquid manure, after the soil is well occupied by roots. 



The best positions for mignonette generally, during the winter, are raised stages and 

 shelves in cool, light houses, where the plants can be easily reached and attended to ; 

 they should receive abundance of air, only enough fire-heat being afforded to expel 

 damp and exclude frost. A small hazel or privet shoot placed to each spike shows the 

 plants off to the best advantage, and admits of rapid packing. If grown principally for 

 affording cut bloom, the plants, after the first spikes are taken, may be arranged some- 

 what thickly on borders, or between rows of newly-planted tomatoes, and the roots 

 allowed to spread into the soil. This promotes strong growth, and flower spikes are 

 abundantly produced. 



MYRSIPHYLLUM (SMILAX). 



Sprays or long growths of this elegant plant (Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) are very 

 popular among dinner-table decorators, who find thorn of great value for trailing about the 

 cloth. There is the greatest demand for smilax during mid-winter, when extra long 

 stems realise from 2s. Gd. to 3s. per dozen, and shorter ones Is. less. These prices are 

 frequently obtained at other times. The cost of production is not great, but those who 

 commence smilax culture on a fairly large scale must make up their minds to attend to 

 the plants closely during the growing season, training each growth separately, or 

 otherwise they soon become inextricably confused,, 



A stock of plants can easily be raised from seeds, and this is the only method of 

 increase worthy of following. New seed is best, and can be bought at Is. Gd., or rather 

 more, per ounce. It is very hard, and ought to be soaked for twenty-four hours, or till 

 somewhat softened, in warm or moderately hot water. This should be done from 

 January to March, sowing in pans of light, sandy soil, and placing these in brisk 



