108 
CULTURE OF ROCKETS. 
The usual method of propagating - rockets is, by dividing - the roots when they 
have gone out of flower and have begun again to grow ; but the following few 
simple rules, which have long been followed with the very best success, will be found 
very far superior. 
1. When the plants have done flowering, which will be about the end of July, 
cut down the stems to the ground or nearly so, and they will soon make abundance 
of new shoots from the root ; and this will be greatly facilitated if the soil be stirred 
about them, or a little drawn round their roots, and in dry weather a good supply 
of water be given with a rose watering pot as often as they require it. 
2. Prepare a bed in a warm situation of light sandy loam and leaf mould, and 
after having well levelled it previous to the insertion of the cuttings, give the 
whole a good watering. 
3. When the shoots have become about two inches high, select the strongest 
and slip them off from the root in preference to using a knife in separating them ; 
trim off the lower leaves, and plant them in the prepared bed, in rows six inches 
apart and three inches from cutting to cutting. After a short time again make a 
selection of the finest, until a sufficient number of 'cuttings are put to supply the 
ground intended to be occupied by them. 
4. When the cuttings are planted, spring a few hoops over the bed,, and by means 
of mats or other light covering, shade them from the effects of the sun, until they 
have begun to strike roots, after which remove all shade, and when they have 
become fine plants remove them with good balls to the situations they are intended 
to occupy in the borders. 
CULTURE OF THE POLYANTHUS (primula vulgaris). 
1. All polyanthuses should, if possible, be grown in a free pure air ; for want of 
this they rarely flourish in the immediate neighbourhood of large towns. They 
may, it is true, be kept somewhat clean, by occasionally sprinkling clear water over 
them, but if this be continued to any extent, the plants will most likely perish. 
2. The soil in which they should be grown should be composed of one half 
good rich maiden loam, one fourth rotten cow-dung or horse dung, and one fourth 
leaf mould. 
3. All the more delicate or fine sorts should be grown in pots, and sheltered 
from the beginning of October to the end of April, in a frame or pit, as recom- 
mended for auriculas, p. 9, rule 3. 
4. Previous to placing them in the frame, top-dress them with a little new 
compost, and so place them in the pit as that they shall scarcely exceed one 
foot distance from the glass, or wooden shutters. 
5. In this situation give them as much air as possible, but always shelter from 
