THE ELOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
265 
CULTURE OF THE POLYANTHUS. 
BY A SUBSCRIBER. 
OME prefer growing this plant in pits — a system I never 
adopt, as they require much greater attention, are far 
more delicate in habit, and never increase so well 
under this mode of treatment. Others separate and 
replant in the beginning of August, and frequently 
lose a great many plants by so doing, which, in my opinion, is one 
reason why Polyanthuses are so scarce. But they quietly content 
themselves that some few are spared, and directly attribute tbe loss 
to hot weather, which is a mistake ; for, at this season, the plants 
are almost, I may say, in a dormant state ; in fact, the old foliage is 
fading, the new is not advancing, and if removed, however suitable the 
weather, a great many will most assuredly die. The situation most 
suitable for them is a well-raised border on the north side of a quick 
or hawthorn fence. This serves as a shade during the hot months 
of summer, and also allows sufficient sun to reach the plants in 
spring. About this time (middle of September), or as soon as the 
new foliage is advanced two or three inches (not before), take up 
your plants, separate the increase, and plant them in the border, 
prepared of loamy turf, leaf soil, and rotten sheep-dung. Give them 
sufficient water to settle the soil at the roots, and, should the 
weather prove dry, repeat the watering accordingly. The plants 
may then be left without any further care. I never give mine any 
protection whatever through the winter, and, although the season 
may be severe, I do not lose a single plant. In the first week in 
April I select such as have made the best trusses, for exhibition, 
and, taking them from the border, w ith as much soil as possible, I 
place them in six-inch pots, give a gentle watering, and remove them 
to a more shady situation. I guard against snails by scattering a 
little barley chaff or common salt about the pots, or they would 
destroy the blooms, and my labour would be in vain. The careful 
removing of the plants rather improves the quality of the flowers 
than otherwise ; but as soon as the day of exhibition is over, I 
replace them in the border, in their former situation. During the 
months of May, June, July, and August, a few branches stuck on 
the border will be of great service, and effectually prevent the sun 
from scorching the plants, which would injure them to a serious 
extent. Plenty of water must be supplied daily. Should the 
weather prove dry and hot, regularly soak them, or they will 
probably be attacked by red spider, which undoubtedly destroys 
numbers of plants every season. Should you be troubled with this 
pest, syringe the foliage without delay on the under-side, with some 
strong soap-suds. This will drive it away, if not destroy it, and 
there is no fear of being troubled a second time, as it will never 
return to the plants any more that season. I have always found 
one application effectual, and the plants have not suffered in the 
slightest degree. By the above treatment I have always had a 
fine bloom. 
September. 
