18 
THE FLORIST. 
MANAGEMENT OF THE AURICULA FOR JANUARY. 
At all times during this month, if the temperature of the atmosphere 
be above the freezing point, and fair weather over head, the glasses 
should be drawn off the frames, and the plants allowed the full ad¬ 
vantage of the air. If only for one hour, it will beneficial. Should 
the season be wet, air must be given by lifting the frames both back 
and front. Examine the plants occasionally, and water those that 
are getting very dry; for though not in a growing state, a small sup¬ 
ply of moisture is necessary. Towards the latter part of the month, 
water may be given sparingly. Although the plants shew no ex¬ 
ternal signs of growth at this time, if the roots be examined, they 
will be found to have commenced their spring work; therefore, 
moderate supplies of water may be given with safety. 
The early part of this month is the proper time for sowing the 
seeds of these plants ; and it should not be allowed to pass without 
this part of the business being attended to. The pots or boxes in¬ 
tended for this purpose may be filled to the depth of two inches with 
pieces of garden-pots broken small; then fill to within an inch of 
the top with good coin^ost, rubbed or sifted moderately fine. This 
may be made with two parts sandy loam, and one of old cow or 
horse manure. Shake the above well down, that it may not sink 
after the seed be sown, and level the surface. On this must be 
placed the compost for the seed to be sown in, which should be com¬ 
posed of three parts leaf-mould, and one part silver sand, sifted fine. 
The leaf-mould of oak is best for the purpose, if it can be procured. 
Fill the box or pot with this compost within a trifle of the top ; care¬ 
fully level, and slightly press it to a smooth surface ; then sprinkle 
the seeds regularly over, and gently press them into the soil: this 
done, sift, through a hair or other fine sieve, some of the leaf-mould and 
sand over the seeds, but no more than will hide the face of white 
paper; this will be a sufficient covering, and quite as much as they are 
able to lift when they begin to germinate. The seeds of these plants 
are extremely small, and require a soft, fine soil, of an open quality ; 
for their tender roots cannot penetrate compost of a close texture. 
Thousands of Auricula seedlings are lost for want of this precaution. 
The boxes or pans need not be kept within doors, nor by any 
means in a southern aspect; a cold north-west corner is the best 
situation; cold need not be feared, for it will not injure them. 
They must be protected from heavy and moderate rains ; the latter 
falls with sufficient force to dash the seed from the pots, and there¬ 
fore, as a covering is necessary, nothing will answer better than a 
hand-glass. If the top be water-tight, no matter if the side-squares 
are broken. Take the opportunity of giving moisture when misty 
rains are falling, or water with the finest rose manufactured for the 
purpose. If a fall of snow takes place, remove the glass, and allow 
the seed to have the benefit of it; if a foot deep over the pots, all 
the better. The soil must be kept moist, however severe the wea¬ 
ther may be. About the second week in February, or when the 
foliage of the old plants is observed to expand, the young seedlings 
