12 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ JANUARY, 
TliG yellow centre is not indispensable to the true Alpine, for there are some 
fine shaded flowers having white centres, but the yellow-centred Alpines are by 
far the most valuable; pale-yellow, or custard centres, are admissible, but the 
nearer they approach to white, the less their value. So much were the yellow- 
centred Alpine Auriculas esteemed above those with white centres, that within 
the last year or two it has been found necessary to create a special class for the 
last-named at the exhibition of the National Auricula Society. 
But as every correct Alpine, according to the northern estimate, must have 
shaded petals, it is obvious that some of Mr. Turner’s flowers, and those produced 
by other raisers, though perfect in the centre, are yet inadmissible, because of 
their unshaded margins. But why cannot there be a class for Self Alpines, as 
there is for Self Auriculas in the show division ? Take flowers like Blade 
Prince^ Colonel Scott, Diamond, Etna, John Leech, King of Crhnsons, Mercury, 
Perceval, and Spangle, out of many others which have been raised at Slough, 
and they would find no place among shaded flowers, because almost entirely self- 
coloured on the margin ; and yet, though they have large finely-rounded pips, 
with golden meal-less centres, and brilliant marginal colouring, they are not 
allowed to start in the competitive race. By all means allow the shaded 
marginal colour to be characteristic of the true Alpine, but let there be a class 
provided for the Selfs, so that they also may have a chance to make a reputation 
on the exhibition-table. 
The concession made in favour of the white-centred flowers may well be 
carried a little farther, so as to include the beautiful Self Alpines now being pro¬ 
duced. The Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society has awarded First- 
class Certificates to several of them, on account of their rare beauty. What do 
Auricula cultivators say to this proposal ?— Eichaed Dean, Ealing, W. 
COEN SALAD, OK MANCPIE OF THE FKENCH. 
(^fHIS forms an excellent and nutritious salad, little known and little culti- 
vated. Great quantities are grown in France, and consumed during the 
winter months. The little daisy-like tufts are cut off near the ground, 
thrown into water, washed clean, and switched dry in a towel; then they 
are put in a salad-bowl, with a nice bit of tarragon and of chervil chopped up 
fine. The Mdnche is not cut up, but left entire. Oil and vinegar, pepper and 
salt, are added, of course, and the result is a very excellent dish; many a meal 
has been made of it and a bit of bread, and if the proportion of oil is two to one 
of vinegar, the meal is, of course, more nutritious and wholesome. 
Seed of this plant is sown at the end of August. Choose on a wet day a 
small piece of dug ground, and with the spade smooth dhe surface over equally. 
Sow the seed on the surface, and if the weather is likely to be dry, shade with a 
mat laid on flat, a stick or two being laid across the bed beneath. In a week or so, 
the little plants will appear in thousands, when the mat may be removed. They 
are ready for use after the first frost, and are the better for frost, to make them 
tender and crisp. It is highly commendable as a salad.—-H. Knight, Floors, 
