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ABUTILON BOULE DE NEIGE. 
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stop it. Great is liis reward, as the light falls on some glistening snail nearly 
arrived at an Auricula-bloom. Why, the gleam from that cold slug is as rich 
in its way as the sparkle from a diamond, for that vagrant is wanted,” perhaps, 
on several charges of mischief, and watchfulness has secured him at last. 
The amount of sun the plants may have until in full bloom, when they should 
be shaded from all, may be regulated by the amount the foliage will bear. Any 
intensity of sunshine that begins to take the gloss off the leaves is more than 
enough, but that, in the early morning and late afternoon, is safe. 
Every effort will naturally be made to prolong the bloom, and yet some very 
awkward weather for this purpose is almost sure to occur. Days when the sun 
is bright and the wind is cold may perplex the beginner. If he open the house, 
the wind is too much for him, and if he shut it, the sun is masterful. I compro¬ 
mise the matter by pulling down the shading and ventilating the house under it. 
A word as to a method of packing and carrying the plants for exhibition may 
be useful here. The trusses are first tied to a slight stick, wrapped with cotton-wool 
at all points of contact with the stem, so as to avoid any abrasion. Soft worsted 
is used for tying. The stick should reach up to the foot-stalk of the truss, on 
which the pips are very carefully parted, with light puffs of cotton-wool gently 
placed between each pip. Every one must be so embedded as to be beyond the 
risk of rubbing or being rubbed by its neighbours. The plant is then turned out 
of the pot, and any soil free of roots removed. The ball is wrapped in damp 
moss, and tied up securely, the label being inserted for identification, if need be. 
The plants are then packed side by side as closely as they may be in a box, 
alwa 3 ^s carried in the hand, and are then ready for their eventful journey. My 
boxes open down the side, and are fitted with a drawer, in which I first pack the 
plants, and then return the drawer with them in it to its place. 
As far as exhibiting goes, the Auricula has a brilliant season before it, with the 
two shows of the National Auricula Society, one South and one North. May all 
go well with all of us, for everybody has a chance.—F. D. Horner, Kirkhy 
Mcilzeard^ liipon. 
ABUTILON BOULE DE NEIGE. 
T no period in the history of gardening has there been such a steady, I had 
almost said an inordinate, demand for a continuous supply of cut flowers 
as at the present; and in the depth of winter it is a great advantage to 
have something to depend on which will flower freely and naturally, with 
the minimum of assistance. In the Ahutilon Boule de Neige we have one of the 
most useful plants for our purpose, as it is of easy management, and a free and 
continuous blooming habit; it is, moreover, not liable to disease or insects, while its 
beautiful white crocus-like flowers are suitable for any purpose. 
Cuttings struck at any time during the spring in a little heat make the most 
useful plants. They like a warm greenhouse treatment through the summer, and 
a natural rest about August and September prepares them for their winter treat 
