158 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ July, 
used for that purpose, in consequence of there being abundance of flowers out¬ 
doors. Still, they are not always seen in perfection, especially in this time of 
large exhibition plants, which require rather more than ordinary attention. 
To produce these, good plants should now be shifted into 12-in. or 15-in. pots, 
half-filled with clean crocks, to afford effective drainage, as anything approaching 
stagnation is very detrimental to them. The soil should consist of equal parts of 
peat and good silver-sand, with a little fibry-loam added. Very solid potting is 
not required. When potted, the surface should be quite two inches, below the 
top of the pot, to allow of dressings of peat and sand, which are much needed, 
as Begonias^ being principally surface-rooting, keep throwing out fresh feeders. 
They should be grown in a stove, not too far from the glass, and shaded from 
the sun’s rays by mats, which can be removed in dull weather, as too much 
shade is injurious. A moist atmosphere is preferable to syringing overhead, 
especially if other than rain-water has to be used. All bloom should be pinched 
off, as it only checks free growth. When they have served their purpose, and 
housing-time anives, so that space is valuable, they may be wintered in a vinery, 
which being dry and airy, suits them better than a low damp stove temperature, 
in which the foliage rapidly damps off.— Geo. JPotts, Jun. 
THE AUEICULA. 
Chapter III.—Notes by the Way.—Work for the Month. 
^HEN summer days are longest, and it is the prime of life and beauty in 
the floral world, it seems a little strange to see how the Auricula, 
without dying down for rest, sleeps unexcited in the high noon of 
activity all around. 
But life in nature is never stagnant, though it may in part be dormant, as 
some functions of our own life are in sleep, while some are not. Even the 
unsown seed is not inactive. It is feeding its embryo with vital elements, until 
the little store is done, and the term of waiting life expires. Bulbs, as of the 
Tulip, seem in their dry rest to be completely still, even more so than the 
torpid chrysalis of the insect world, yet life is energetic within both these 
quiet forms. 'The perfect insect, the very flower of its former self, is developed 
from the substance of the poor mean grub in its deep sleep, and somewhat 
analogously, within the bulb, the future foliage and unborn flower in all its parts 
are being wrought by hidden powers of life from materials laid up in store. 
So, though the present is a quiet month with the Auricula, it is not one of 
idleness. The plants are really doing a great deal, but it is rather foundation- 
work than superstructure; hence the interest and attention that should watch 
over them at these still times. Here love gains what laziness can never overtake, 
or indifference even attempt. Most folks are readily enough delighted with a 
beautiful flower, who would consider patient culture of the plant a tedious care ; 
even as many a father, who can dandle with joy his blooming cherub for a few 
laughing moments, would find it slow work rocking the cradle ! 
