88 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
also realized by the late digging, and that is, the ground not being 
previously soaked by the heavy rain of winter, the warm but genial 
showers of spring have freer access to the roots, and thus increase 
the fertility of the soil. Heau Gaedenee. 
JN^OTES ON GLOXINIAS. 
BT WILLIAM COLE, 
Head Gardener, Ealing Park, Middlesex. 
0 LOXINIAS are so similar to the Achimenes in their re- 
quirements, that in speaking of them it is not necessary 
to allude to the general details, for a reference to the 
paper on the last-mentioned flovv^ers, which appeared in 
the February number, will furnish the desired infor- 
mation. The manner of increasing Gloxinias is very difierent, and 
for the information of those who are fond of propagating plants 
and have the proper convenience, I will offer a few hints on the 
subject. 
In the first place it must be stated that there are two ways of 
increasing Gloxinias, one by seed and the other by cuttings of the 
leaves, and also that to be successful the aid of a hotbed or stove 
will be required. Nothing better than a cucumber or melon frame, 
or an early vinery, could be desired, and wherever there is one of 
these structures there also may these flowers be propagated ad 
libitum, and grown to a state bordering on perfection. Perhaps the 
best course for a young beginner to pursue would be to purchase 
shortly a dozen or so of small corms, of the best of the cheap kinds, 
and then save his own seeds. The next best plan will be to buy 
a packet of seed from a reliable seedsman, and sow it as I shall 
advise, with as little delay as possible. There is but little danger of 
being supplied with seed saved from inferior flowers, for the simple 
reason that few varieties, excepting those which are really first-class, 
are to be met with in either trade or private collections. It must, of 
course, be understood that the Gloxinia does not reproduce itself 
true from seed, and even where the greatest care is taken in the 
matter, a very considerable number will not be equal to the best of 
those from which it has been saved. At the same time it is quite 
possible that some of the seedlings will surpass their parents, and it 
is certain that all will be sufficiently attractive to be of considerable 
value for decorative purposes. 
Having procured the seed, prepare a sufficient number of pots, 
by filling them first to about half their depth with crocks, and the 
remaining space with a mixture of peat, leaf-mould, and sand, broken 
up very small and the rough portions removed. The soil must be 
made fine to admit of the seedlings being transplanted without 
receiving any considerable amount of injury. iVlake the surface 
level with a piece of board or the bottom of a flower-pot, scatter the 
seeds thinly and regularly over it, and cover with a sprinkle of silver 
sand. It is not desirable to apply water immediately after the seed 
