76 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



Auriculas (Show and Bin der Varieiies): — The Auricula in 

 all its forms is essentially a plant for those to grow who 

 only possess small gardens; and to llie cottager, or at 

 least to those employed in oilier avocations than garden- 

 ing during the day, much credit is due for the charming 

 flowers raised. Successful grow ers may lie found amongst 

 mechanics in smoky towns ; indeed, the Auricula seems as 

 happy as the Carnation in mirky, soot-saturated atmo- 

 spheres. With a cold greenhouse or frame, and careful 

 cultivation, successful results may be obtained in almost 

 any locality, choice varieties being grown in perfection. 



There are three great classes, namely, Show, Alpine, 

 and Border, and of these the two first-named are confined 

 chiefly to the exhibition, as a frame is necessary, not fin- 

 protection, but to shield the delicately coloured and 

 powdered flowers from heavy rains and strong winds. 

 The show Auricula is a flower to look into and discern 

 those quiet markings and shades and perfect symmetry 

 which go to form an exhibition bloom. 



Show Auriculas are divided into lour groups, named 

 according to the colour of the flowers' margin. Hence 

 there are white, grey, green-edged, and self flowers, and 

 one named fancy, a group of quaint colouring which 

 many enthusiasts in the culture ot Auriculas for show 

 admire. Alpine varieties are subdivided into two very 

 distinct groups, one possessing flowers with gold centre, 

 and another in which the colour is either white or grey; 

 whilst the border kinds, those which perfume and beautify 

 the open garden, comprise everything that will stand the 

 trials of an outdoor life. 



Culture of Show Auriculas. — Whether the Auricula 

 is required to win prizes at the exhibition, or to add 

 interest to the greenhouse, the assistance of glass is 

 essential. Where a greenhouse is not available, then 



must a wooden frame be erected ; but preference is 

 usually given by growers to the span or lean-to green- 

 house, as under such conditions the plants may be readily 

 attended to at all seasons and in all kinds of weather 

 without discomfort. Although much artificial heat is 

 fatal to healthy growth, a little warmth judiciously given 

 is helpful, especially to ward off severe frost and dispel 

 damp. But forcing treatment is fatal. It merely stimu- 

 lates weakly growth at the expense of flowers, which 

 become drawn and lose entirely their characteristic 

 colouring ; for the Auricula in its natural state dwells 

 upon the cold upland meadows. Few new varieties of 

 merit are added to the list of show Auriculas, for the 

 reason that the flowers are already so perfect in form and 

 varied in colour that to obtain anything distinct and 

 beautiful is not easy ; whilst possessors of the choicest 

 kinds care too much for them to risk distressing their 

 growth through the burden of seed-bearing. 



The greenhouse must be so arranged internally that 

 the shelves are near the glass, otherwise it will be im- 

 possible to prevent the plants becoming drawn. Give 

 an abundance of air, although this does not signify 

 careless exposure to draughts, and in the winter 

 admil all the sun, which at that season is not 

 too strong to disturb the growth. Cool treatment is 

 advisable through the summer, and therefore a frame under 

 a in n th w all is a suitable spot, as a greenhouse or full 

 exposure- to the sun in summer is hurtful. Of course 

 artificial shading in the way of screen canvas or mats can 

 be afforded, but this is not so cool and grateful as natural 

 shade. It is easy, however, to make the frame movable, 

 so that it can lie moved about according to the season, 

 si nub. for instance, in winter, and nin th in summer. 

 The position of the plants must Ire regulated, too, in the 



THE CHINESE FOUNTAIN AT ALTON TOWERS. 



