THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
227 
very well iu any qood garden soil. Clay soils are the least suitable, 
because of the risk of their perishing during the winter. Moreover, 
the roots are unable to penetrate far below the surface, and they are 
consequently more readily affected by dry weather during the summer 
season. As regards the preparation of the soil, I would suggest 
that a liberal dressing of leaf-mould or well-decayed manure be 
applied, and the bed then turned up to a depth of about eighteen 
inches. If the soil is of a heavy character, the addition of a liberal 
quantity of gritty matter, such as road scrapings or river sand, will 
be highly advantageous. Plant them out at a distance of about 
twelve inches apart, and water them when necessary during dry 
weather until they are properly established. Tw’o or three small 
pieces of stake may be put round each plant to keep it steady, in 
case of rough winds. Beyond this, no further attention will be 
required. 
In heavy soils it may be necessary to afford them the shelter of a 
cold frame during the winter, and in this ease it will be desirable to 
grow them in small pots, and then plant out in February, instead of 
planting them in three-inch pots ; and use a mixture of turfy loam 
and leaf-mould. The frame will require ventilating during the 
winter, and in dry, mild weather the lights may be removed alto- 
gether. Sometimes pansies, when in pots, are attacked with mildew ; 
but this may be kept in check by dusting the foliage with sulphur 
as soon as it makes its appearance. In case growing them in pots 
would entail more trouble than could well be afforded, it is a good 
plan to plant them on a bed raised about twelve or fifteen inches 
above the general level, and then put on each side a brick raised on 
edge, to break the force of the wind ; or, what is better still, they 
may be protected with one of the portable ground vineries now 
manufactured. 
The undermentioned will from a very good collection to com- 
mence with, as it comprises varieties representative of all the shades 
of colours found in this section ; — Agnes Laing, Alexander Grombie, 
Alexander Forbes, Buttercup, David Spue, Lady Boss, Lady Coutts 
Lindsay, Miss Hope Johnstone, Pandora, William Baird, Amy, Duncan 
Clark, Miss Minnie Mather, Miss C. Arbuthnot, Mrs. T. Scott, Mrs. 
Laird, Major Mackay, Medora, Orange Boven, Mrs. Shirley Hibberd, 
Striped Queen, William Hay, Wonderful. 
PEESEBVIKG AND MOUNTING FERNS. 
AVIN G been requested by a correspondent to offer some 
advice on drying and mounting ferns, we shall proceed 
to deal with the subject rather fully, for the assistance 
of other readers also, who may be in need of similar ip- 
forraatioe. 
Drying and mounting fern fronds is most easy of accomplish- 
ment by any one with an ordinary degree of intelligence, yet a 
certain amount of care is essential to preserve the fronds in good 
August. 
