34 
SATYRIUM AUREUM. 
management, either as a common border plant, or in a pot. The best soil for it is 
peat and loam ; and it should always stand in a shady place. 
To cultivate the above species successfully, the following particulars should be 
borne in mind : — That the best soil is a mixture of loam, peat, and sand ; or, in the 
absence of peat, a loam as sandy as it can be obtained ; with a large proportion of 
drainage : — That lime and chalk are not necessary to be added to the soil, even for 
species which naturally grow in districts where the soil contains these ingredients in 
a large proportion. 
Drainage should consist of broken crocks, broken freestone, and charcoal ; the 
first and the last are especially used when the plants are kept in pots ; and the 
broken stones when they are planted in the rock-garden or on borders. 
The best time to take them up from their native localities, is in spring, just when 
the plants are beginning to grow ; and the very worst time is when they are in full 
bloom. Always remove then with as large a ball of earth and as many fibres as 
possible. 
Previously to replanting, it is advisable to divest them of all the soil in which they 
naturally grow ; for we have invariably found that if, planted with the old ball of 
earth, they either grow very weakly, or perish altogether after they have done 
flowering. 
They never thrive well if the soil in which they are planted becomes covered 
with moss ; it is therefore advisable to keep the mould often stirred, and especially 
if grown in pots this precaution is necessary, as is also an occasional top-dressing of 
new soil, to answer the same purpose. All require more or less shade ; they will 
flourish if exposed to morning and evening sunshine ; but seldom live long if the 
full power of the mid-day sun shines upon them. 
Those which are mentioned above as requiring shade, are such as will thrive 
best on a north aspect, where the sun's rays can seldom reach them. 
If any are kept in a cold frame, it is always best to place it facing the north ; 
otherwise it would be necessary to cover with a mat, which produces a darkness too 
heavy and unnatural. In watering during the season of growth, always administer 
with care : although the supply should be liberal, yet it is better not to give too 
much at a time. In the rock-garden, or on the borders, it is not often necessary to 
resort to watering at all ; but if the plants are in pots, or are not planted in proper 
situations, watering must be attended to. 
In the season of torpidity, let them always be kept as free from moisture as they 
well can; over the more tender-rooted ones it is advisable to place an empty 
flower-pot : it will prevent an accumulation of wet from damaging the crowns. 
