1877. ] 
THE AURICULA.—CHAPTER X. 
29 
flowering. This is a free-habited sort, which quickly forais handsome compact 
bushes, clothed with glossy willow-shaped dentated leaves, and producing in the 
greatest abundance its silvery blossoms, which issue from the axil of every leaf ; it 
is indispensable for decorative purposes. These showy and serviceable plants can¬ 
not be too strongly recommended, as they come into flower naturally, without 
forcing, and are so easily cultivated that all having the advantage of a greenhouse 
may enjoy them.—GEO. Westland, Withy Court. 
THE AUKICULA. 
Chapter X.— Work for the Month.—Top-dressing.—Self Alpines.— 
Summary, &o.—Conclusion of Election Lists. 
HE number lengthens on the heading of these chapters, as on the milestones 
of a journey, and our round of a year with the Auricula will soon complete 
its circle. Here is the tenth stage of its appointed twelve; but along the 
remainder of the way lie the loveliest scenes of all, the spring life, and the 
flowering of the plant we have had before us. 
The Auricula could not have bloomed at a happier period for itself and us 
than early spring. It comes while there are no intensely gayer flowers against it, 
to put it out of countenance in the way that the sun outshines the morning 
brightness of the waning winter moon ; while its richest foliage is developed in 
those yet early days when every springing leaf, like the dove’s green olive-branch 
of old, is a sight to gladden waiting eyes. 
Auriculas in the course of this month begin to unfold their hearts, with an 
exquisite freshness about all young growth, a snowy whiteness in the mealed 
varieties and on the tender leaves of some green-foliaged ones a sprinkling of a 
yellow meal that stands beaded on the curly edges like a dew of gold dust. 
Gradually, as the plants awake, they may receive a little more water, unless the 
weather be frosty, but should not be kept wetter yet than the compost was at 
repotting time. Afford the plants plenty of fresh air whenever the weather 
permits, avoiding any exposure of young growth to cutting winds, violent rains, 
or such a murderous thing as hail. 
The special work for February among Auriculas is top-dressing., an operation 
which cultivators have always thought one of great importance. It consists in 
a surface-enrichment of the soil, and the materials for it vary among growers, even 
as their composts do. 
For my own plants I have used various mixtures, but generally one part rich 
unctuous loam, one part leaf-mould, and two parts decayed sheep or cow-manure 
mellowed under shelter. To make room for the top-dressing, the surface soil 
is removed for an inch or so, very great care being taken not to break any roots. 
The fibres are soon sensible of the new soil, and indeed will ascend perpendicularly 
into it, and run along the top. Many offsets and suckers, which were not ready 
for removal in the autumn, will be found to have prepared themselves during 
winter, while apparently doing even less than nothing by losing size. Rooted or 
