PERSIAN CYCLAMEN. 



15-5 



placed in 4-inch pots) they are transplanted and potted as lightly 

 as possible. 



It is surprising what a quantity of water Cyclamen will take 

 with advantage during the summer months ; hence it is necessary 

 that the drainage for both pots and pans should be as perfect as 

 possible. 



The plants are not left too long in the pans and various 

 sized pots before they are repotted, otherwise they are found to 

 be slow at starting again after transplanting. 



As the sun's power decreases, it is essential that great care 

 be taken with the watering. Overhead damping is discontinued 

 for fear of fog, and only those plants are watered which are seen 

 to be dry. 



Some of the plants at this time (the beginning of October) 

 have a good show of bloom ; they are then staked with Currant 

 primings, on account of their neutral colours, and are tied round 

 with dark carpet-thread, after which they are despatched to 

 Covent Garden Market. 



It is of the utmost importance that the plants be kept in every 

 stage of their growth free from aphis or green-fly, caterpillars, 

 (which latter vary in size, colour, and number according to the 

 heat of the weather), and thrip. 



Incessant care is required to keep these pests in subjection, 

 as without it the plants may soon be spoiled, in which case all 

 previous effort and expense are lost. Mice, too, as the autumn 

 approaches, are very mischievous ; but they may be trapped 

 before they have time to make any noticeable depredations. 



Most of the greenhouses at Worton Gardens contain about 

 3,000 cubic feet. Upon an average the Cyclamen plants are 

 placed about 18 inches from the glass upon beds of damp ashes, 

 as it is found that they thrive so much better in such a position 

 during the summer than when placed on dry shelves. In Sep- 

 tember, however, as the plants become larger and the weather 

 cooler, they are placed on shelves ; the floor of the greenhouses 

 is kept wet, and effort is made, by shading, to prevent the plants 

 becoming limp. 



The plants are kept in a temperature of about 50° Fahr., and 

 plenty of air given to them, even at night, if the external tempera- 

 ture will then admit of ventilation. 



To keep the plants perfectly free from insect pests in the 



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