22G 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
FAXCT PANSIES. 
BY J. JAMES, 
Head Gardener, Eedlees, Islewortb, W. , 
NCY pansies differ from the show varieties iu having 
flowers remarkable for their rich and fantastic colours, 
and also in their more robust habit. In the flowers of 
the old fancy varieties the colours arc most curiously 
intermixed, and present a most striking contrast to the 
show flowers, with their regular and well-defined markings. A 
great improvement has, however, of late, been effected in the 
flowers, for those of the more recent introductions are of good shape, 
and the colours nearly as well defined as in the show flowers ; but 
with this difference — the dark colours are in the centre of the petal, 
instead of being round the outside, as in the case of the yellow and 
white-ground flowers. Some of the colours of the new fancy flowers 
are wonderfully rich, especially those with dark maroon blotch and 
bright crimson belt. They are certainly worth the attention of the 
amateur, who has a greater regard for startling colours than for 
^‘properties.” But, as a grower of the show varieties for many 
years, I cannot say that as yet I have much affection for them. 
JNot withstanding, I am perfectly willing to help those who are 
partial to them to grow them to the highest degree of perfection. 
The month of August is most favourable for commencing, as the 
plants can now be purchased in good condition for planting out, and 
there will be ample time for them to become well established before 
the winter ; and established plants will now furnish a plentiful 
supply of cuttings. In propagating pansies at this or any other 
season of the year, select the young and vigorous shoots which 
push up from the base, as the flowering shoots are quite worthless 
for propagating purposes. Take the cuttings just below the second 
or third joint, according to the distance they may happen to be 
apart, and then remove the lowest pair of leaves. Insert them in 
pots provided with an efficient drainage, and filled with a light 
sandy mixture. Water them well in, and place in a frame in a shady 
position. The only attention they will require until they are struck 
will be to sprinkle them overhead once a day, and remove all that 
perish as soon as signs of decay are perceptible. During the first 
ten days or a fortnight, admit air by tilting the lights during the 
night, and afterwards it may be admitted during the day also. 
Sufficient water will be required to keep them fresh, and no more, 
aud the quantity necessary to effect this will, of course, depend 
entirely upon the weather. When nicely rooted, remove the lights 
altogether, to prevent their being drawn up. 
As it is important to plant them in their permanent quarters 
before they are too firmly established in the cutting bed, the pre- 
paration of a bed in an open position should be commenced at once. 
Speaking generally, it may be said that they thrive most satisfac- 
factorily in a rather light and deep loamy soil, although they will do 
