12 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ January, 
ising, we have them dwarf, and of robust habit, with a profusion of large 
well-shaped flowers of brilliant colours, which, when grouped together, have 
a charming effect, whether used for the decoration of the conservatory or 
the flower garden. 
The Calceolaria ought to he more appreciated than it is, and more 
collections should he brought forward at our exhibitions. Those who have 
had the pleasure of visiting the International and other London flower 
shows, must have been struck with the gorgeous effect produced by the 
collections staged by Messrs. Dobson & Sons, Mr. Turner, and Mr. James. 
Such collections as these show to what perfection the Calceolaria may 
be grown, and ought to stimulate others to try and do likewise. A few 
hints as regards their proper treatment may be, it is thought, of some use 
to those who wish to grow them well. 
Having procured a packet of seed of a good strain, it is advisable to 
sow in 82-sized pots, so as to secure a proper drainage; this is easily 
effected by putting in 2 inches of broken crocks and an inch of rough 
mould of a fibrous nature; the pots must then be filled to wflthin half an 
inch of the top with soil composed of equal proportions of loam, leaf 
mould, and silver sand, which must he rubbed through a fine sieve. The 
surface must be made very smooth, and watered gently, and after the 
water has thoroughly drained off, the seed is to be sown very thinly over 
the surface. Place the pots in a cool frame, with a slight shading over 
them, until the seedlings are ready to be pricked-off. They ought to he 
pricked-off into a box or pan filled with the above-named compost, and 
returned to the cool frame, where they should be kept close and shaded for 
a few days till they have made fresh roots, when the shading can be taken 
off, and abundance of air given. After they have made their fourth leaf, 
they ought to be put into 60-sized pots, and kept in a temperature of from 
65° to 70°, with abundance of moisture. As soon as they have filled these 
pots with roots, they should he shifted to large 48 or 82-sized pots, which 
is quite large enough for the first year of flowering. The compost to be 
used now is two parts turfy loam, one part leaf mould, and one part 
rotten dung and silver sand. Care must be taken not to pot too firmly. 
To have a nice bushy plant, and a succession of bloom, the centre ought 
to he pinched-out as soon as the plants have established themselves in 
their blooming pots. 
The plants to grow on for the second year ought to be selected while 
in flower, and cut back immediately after the flowers have faded. They may 
then be placed behind a north wall, where they should remain until the 
second week in September, during £ which period they must be watered 
moderately. After this, they should he repotted into a 10-incli pot, in 
which they are to remain for blooming the next season. The same compost 
