1876.] the OAENATION AND PICOTEE. CHAPTER I, 5 
The task I impose upon myself, is to show that the successful development 
of these flowers depends upon the observance of the simplest elementary prin¬ 
ciples and persistent attention to sound rules of cultivation. I propose to put 
these papers primarily into the shape of a calendar of operations, allowing liberty 
to discuss collateral questions. But before we can go forward, some things more 
general must necessarily be described ; and first, as to the compost to be used. 
Compost: It is far more important that this shall be sweet and pure, than 
highly stimulating. For choice, take the top spit of an old upland pasture of an 
unctuous retentive character three-parts, old manure (whether from stable or cow¬ 
house is of slight consequence), and leaf-mould one part; but if the cultivator 
cannot command these, almost any moderately retentive soil, well sweetened and 
pulverised by repeated turnings during dry hot sunny, or frosty weather, and 
enriched with a proportion of manurial and vegetable matter as described, will 
suflice, and will give results certain to afford gratification. To the inexperienced, 
I would say be careful, especially in the application of manurial matters. Where 
one plant has perished from lack of sustenance, hundreds have been killed, or 
worse, the seeds of incurable disease engendered, by excess of stimulants. 
Pots: The next requisite is the pot in which the plants are to be grown for 
blooming. These should be 9 in. or 10 in. in 'width, measuring inside, and the 
same in depth ; the former will contain one plant of very strong growth, or two 
of more moderate habit; the latter, two or three plants, respectively, as of stronger 
or less strong habit. As the plants spindle for bloom, they will require sticks; 
those I use are 42 in. in length by fin. square at the base, tapering to fin. at the top. 
These are painted white, a colour I much prefer to green, which rapidly becomes 
ding}’-, and thus injures the relief which the growth of the plant would otherwise 
afford; whilst in contradistinction, a clean white support sets out by its contrast 
the beauty of the green foliage, and if not in excess of the dimensions given, is 
not offensively obtrusive or heavy. 
The existence of these requisites being assumed, as also the possession of the 
necessary stock of plants,* the cultivator will have only to follow routine treat¬ 
ment, and this I will now proceed to describe. 
January .—The plants being in their winter quarters—3-in. or 4-in. pots, in 
cold frames, and well established—the work of the cultivator will be at its 
minimum. Give plenty of air, never indeed closing the frames day or night, 
excepting during the severest frosts, and thoroughly cleanse every plant from 
decaying foliage and dust. To do this in the open garden is a work which in - 
the case of any person not of the most robust health would involve serious 
punishment from cold, and very considerable risk to health. To obviate this 
danger, my practice is to remove the plants to the shelter of the house, and here 
in the evening, in the warmth and comfort of the sitting-room, and in the com- 
As to the best sources from whence plants should be obtained, it would be manifestly improper that 
I should give names of dealers. lean only urge on beginners to procure their stock from nurseries of 
established repute. Should any reader be so unfortunate as to lack this knowledge, I shall willingly 
privately advise from whence I have obtained my supply.—E. S. D. 
