On Raising Auriculas from Seed. 349 
cut oiF, and I find that by keeping a pan full of water to each pot, so 
far irom their durability being less, they have i-emained longer in 
bloom, than any I have before flowered, which I attribute, in a great 
measure, to the grossness of the foliage, — a few only of those first put 
into the greenhouse, showing a disposition to fade, on the 25th of No- 
vember. I need hardly say, that their luxuriance has arisen from 
the great extent of rich soil, into which the roots were able to find 
their way. I adopted the same mode with the class of exotic Salvias, 
and my greenhouse now presents an uninterrupted scene of brilliant 
flowers. 
I am, Gentlemen, 
Yours, &c. 
December, 1831. An Amateur Gardener. 
Article V. — On Raising Auriculas from Seed. By Mr. 
Thomas Warris, of Sheffield. 
Gentlemen, 
As a proof that I most heartily wish you success with the 
Horticultural Register, I here h-ansmit to you, a detailed account of 
my mode of raising Auriculas from seed; and promise you, that if 
you judge my papers worthy of a place in your pages, from time to 
time, I purpose being a contributor.* 
I have been a cultivator of Auriculas, for many years, and have 
raised a great number from seed, — amongst which, are some of the 
best kmds in the trade. The compost I use, consists of equal parts 
of fresh loam, decayed leaves, and well-rotted dung, (cow-dung, 
is preferable) and about one-sixth of river-sand. This compost is 
well mixed, and fi^equently turned over, for three months previous to 
using. 
The pans I use for containing the soil, are made of the same ma- 
terial which garden pots are usually made of: the shape is the same 
as a wash-hand bason, without any hole in the bottom. Before the 
compost is used for sowing, I fill the bason, and place it in the oven, 
until it is so hot, that I cannot bear to insert my finger in it; — this 
destro)'^s the seeds of any weeds, or the eggs of insects, which may be 
deposited in it. After taking it out of the oven, I spread the soil to 
cool ; when quite cold, I fill the bason to about an inch and a half from 
the top, around the sides, but am careful to have the soil as high in 
* We shall, at all times, be happy to receive communications from Mr. Warris. — COND. 
