132 
THE FLORIST. 
ON FIRM AND LOOSE POTTING OF THE CARNATION. 
In reply to J. G. H., I beg to offer the following as the results of 
firm and loose potting of the Carnation—so far as my observations 
have hitherto gone. 
By Firm potting, close, short-pointed grass is obtained, covered 
with bloom; also short, fleshy root, and plenty of it. The plants do 
not suffer from drenching rains, as absolute saturation is not possible. 
The soil is kept at a more equable temperature, and moisture is more 
equally diffused, its firm texture forbidding the alternation of heat and 
cold, and drought and moisture, to which a loose soil is inevitably 
subject. 
By Loose potting, the plants are rendered long and spindling in 
habit, the grass weak, root straggling, with not nearly so much of it 
emitted from the base of the layer, and the plants require much 
watching, to prevent injury from wind, and from rapid changes of 
the atmosphere. In high winds they suffer much from drought, and 
from saturation during heavy rains ; and, finally, the increase is both 
less in quantity and lower in quality. 
I am but a tyro in the fair science,—certainly not a teacher,— 
but the above is the result of observations made some time before I 
had the pleasure to know Mr. Turner, or to notice any of the plants 
grown at Chalvey, and applies equally to Autumn and Spring potting, 
and for layering, in each case the soil should be of an open, porous 
texture, and well firmed. 
Derby. E. S. Dodwell. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 
Auriculas.— During this month, or as soon as the flowering is over, 
they should be re-potted. Many dispute this, and prefer the 
month of August, assigning as a reason that it prevents their 
blooming in the Autumn, if such is the case, it is but in a small 
degree; for the check given by the August shift, only causes 
them to flower still later in the season; one thing is certain, that 
Autumn potted plants do not produce such extraordinary growth 
and blooms as we have been accustomed to see from the May 
potted plants. Auriculas make their principal growth during the 
month of May; and the main body of roots upon which the 
plants depend for their future growth, strength, and bloom, are 
thrown out at this season, and establish themselves in the soil in 
every direction, and if disturbed in August, they never can re¬ 
establish themselves sufficiently to afford that source of nourish¬ 
ment they otherwise would do, if not removed so late in the season. 
The Autumn growth of the Auricula is but trifling compared 
with that of the Spring; at the latter season they lose their fine 
Spring foliage, and become much reduced in size ; and from the 
month of October till the middle of February, are comparatively 
dormant, shewing no external signs of growth for that time. 
