THE AURICULA AS A TOWN OR SMALL VILLA PLANT. 



By Mr. J. E. Hen wood. 



Twead April 22, 1890.] 



The past history of the Auricula is so intimately associated with 

 town life, that even had we not the experience of the present 

 time to guide us in forming a conclusion, we have ample testimony 

 that in the Auricula we have a flower possessing all the necessary 

 qualifications to be classed as a plant especially suitable for town 

 or villa gardens. As is only too well known, the dwellings in 

 towns and the small villa residences of the suburbs have but a 

 small space of ground attached to them, a mere apology for a 

 garden. How to cultivate this small space to the best advantage, 

 and to grow only those things that will render it most attractive, 

 is naturally the desire of every lover of floriculture. We want 

 for these gardens subjects requiring but small space, that are 

 perfectly hardy, attractive, and interesting at all seasons of the 

 year. Now we claim for the Auricula that it answers to all 

 these conditions and requirements in a manner possessed by no 

 other flower. 



Some fourteen or fifteen years ago I was invited into the 

 garden of a friend living in one of the main roads of Reading to 

 view his Auriculas. Up till this time I had never heard of, 

 much less seen, the flower, and so struck with astonishment 

 was I at the marvellous beauty and unique appearance both of 

 the plant and bloom that my love for the Auricula dates from 

 that very hour. In course of time this friend became my next- 

 door neighbour. To listen to his Auricula lore, to note his enthu- 

 siasm, and to watch the loving tender care bestowed upon his 

 plants, kindled in me a similar fire of love that nothing in this 

 life can extinguish. I do not wish to be egotistical, but I do 

 desire to kindle in the breasts of some who may be listening to 

 me that same love and admiration for the Auricula possessed by 

 myself. I do wish to dissipate that erroneous impression that is 

 stalking abroad that the flower is difficult of management. I do 

 not hesitate to say there is not a flower grown that so readily 

 responds to loving care and proper attention as the Auricula, and 

 I must also say there is no flower known that so soon resents 

 neglect. Under neglect it soon wears a woe-begotten, " you don't 



