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NEW YORK, DECEMBER, 1877. 
PANSIES. 
I believe there are many true lovers of flowers who 
have never known the happiness of growing Pansies ; 
who, like myself, have bought them of florists each 
spring, and long before they were ready, were grieved 
to see them die, no care or watching serving to keep 
them. To such as these I contribute my mite of in¬ 
formation, learned from experience, which, after learn¬ 
ing, seems so simple, I wonder how I could have 
failed. 
First, procure good seed. I bought the mixed seed 
of Tick, of Rochestar, N. Y. Have ready shallow 
boxes (I used the long, shallow cigar-boxes), nice 
light soil, some pieces of old thick flannel. Place the 
soii in boxes, about half the depth, press it even with 
a piece of shingle or old book-back, place each seed 
separate on the soil full one inch apart. This takes 
time, but will pay in the end. When all are placed, 
sift a little soil over them, enough to hide the seed ; 
press as before. Wring out the pieces of flannel 
(using two or three thicknesses to each box) in hot 
water; lay cayefully on the soil, pressing down even. 
Place behind the stove, or in any warm situation. 
Watch well; in two or three days the seed will be up. 
Then remove flannel; place farther from stove, using 
a pane of glass to cover each box. Get to the light 
and sun as soon as they are up; give air by tilting 
glass. When one week old, remove glass and do all 
you can to keep them stocky, and not drawn. 
After covering seed with soil, water with a fine 
sprinkler with warm water, before placing the flannel 
over them. As soon as they have four leaves, have 
other boxes prepared same as before ; transplant each 
plant carefully two inches apart, spreading the roots 
well, and continue this every two weeks till they can 
be planted out. I sowed mine the first week in 
March, and they were all ready to begin budding and 
blooming by the middle of April, when I planted in 
the beds. I had beds made directly in the lawn, cut 
circular, six feet in diameter, raised a little, hut never 
sloping, as they would not retain the proper moisture. 
Here, in the following lines, is where so many blun¬ 
der. All books, papers, &e., tell us that Pansies 
require shade. Now they do not. Mine are on the 
east side of large cherry trees, some three feet from 
base of tree, and receive the full morning sun, with all 
the light and glintings of sunshine through branches 
of trees in the afternoon. It is also a mistake to plant 
them in such rich soil; they keep better, last longer 
without sloughing away, in common garden soil, with 
some sand in it; then use liquid cow manure once 
each week, well diluted in water, placing it as much 
as possible on the soil, avoiding the plants in doing so. 
When blooming, remove each flower as soon as it 
wilts, or cut generously for your friends, and they will 
continue a mass of bloom, beautiful beyond all words, 
till winter, blooming even through the snow. They 
should be carefully watered or sprinkled each evening, 
and if some of the oldest shoots seem yellow and sick 
about August, pinch them off carefully, to give the 
crown of the plant the strength to send out new 
shoots. I have only been cultivating them the past 
two seasons, never before understanding the value of 
seedlings. If wanted for early spring bloom, sow in 
August or September, in deep, large boxes, on north 
side of house. About December, protect with dry 
annuals, such as Petunia, Zinnia, &c., laying heavier 
branches on these to prevent blowing away. Never 
cover with leaves or straw, as these mat too much 
and rot the crown of the plant. Evergreen branches, 
not too heavy, are just the right thing to use. Plant 
into beds from boxes, same as for seed sown in spring. 
Nemophila Insignis flourishes beyond description with 
same treatment as spring sowing, or indeed fall, too. 
Mrs. H. C. 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
The illustrations of this number are numerous and 
suggestive of floral decoration and social enjoyment. 
Upon page 177 is a vase of “ Flowers for the Parlor 
or Dining Table,” and also “ A Basket of Cut 
Flowers Made of Wicker-Work.” These sketches 
are suggestive of tasteful ways of adorning our tables 
and stands. “The Spruce-Work Match Holder” 
is a cunoing little article covered with the spruce 
bark of the woods, and is so simple any one of mod¬ 
erate ingenuity can construct it. 
Upon page 180 is a scene in Central Park, New 
York, of “ Lake and Bridge,” with rustic seat and ar¬ 
bor on the shore. The “Cone Frame and Calendar” 
is a little hint to our ingenious ones to gather the trea¬ 
sures of the woods, and by fastening with glue on 
some stiff background, then varnishing, to make a 
pretty sitting-room ornament. 
Upon page 181, “ The Vase of Petunias ” suggests 
to us the joys of bright floral days when the flowers 
are our constant companions. The “Flower Pot 
Cover ” is very simple, made of successive layers of 
leather or stiff cloth lined with pasteboard, and shaped 
to resemble the form of petals of an opening bud. 
Upon page 185 is a pretty “Castilian Scene of 
Spanish Romance.” This is an exact reproduction of 
a steel-plate engraving which cost $500. The wait¬ 
ing fair one plucks a rose to throw to her adorer, and 
is her signal that the way is clear and her heart ex¬ 
pects him. 
Upon page 189, “ The Young Artful,” whose “ for- 
gettery is much better than his rememberry,” is try¬ 
ing to make up the lesson-task before him with the 
aid of a “pony,” which maneuvre, astonishes the 
teacher, and provokes a laugh from the little sister. 
PUBLISHER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS. 
Last Number. Renew, Renew. — All subscriptions to The 
Cabinet, for 1877. expire with this number, both yearly nnd trials. 
Eenew th.-rn quickly, and bring as many new names as possible. We 
I hope all are so well pleased that we may have the pleasure of (heir 
company again ior 1878 . 
Back "Volumes. —New subscribers, who are pleased with The 
Floral Cabinet, will find in back vo’umes an immense fund ot 
delightful reading, pictures, and the choicest of family music; there 
are single pieces of music so sweet and charming as to be alone 
| worth the price for a volume. We will club these together with sub¬ 
scription for 1878, as follows: 
$2.00 will pay for subscription 1878, the new plate, “ Treasures of 
Garden and Woodland,” and all the back numbers of 1S77, Jan¬ 
uary to September. 
3.00 will include all of 1878, 1877, and 1876. 
4.00 “ « “ “ “ 1875. 
5.00 “ “ “ “ “ “ and 1874. 
6.00 “ “ “ « <• “ 11 and 1873. 
Bound volumes for each year will cost 65 cents for each volume in 
addition to above prices. 
Missin g Papers — To any subscriber, at any time, we will al¬ 
ways furnish a missing, paper. First, ask the Postmaster if a copy 
came with the label off, if so, it belongs to you; if not, we will send 
another on notification. We wish subscribers to receive all they pay 
for. 
Six Months’ Subscription, —Subscribers will take notice 
that six months’ subscriptions are received at 60 cents, without Pre¬ 
miums. 
Cabinet for Half Price. —An extra copy of Cabinet will he 
sent one year for half price to any one who brings a club of three 
subscribers at $1 20 or $1 30. 
Cabinet Free.— An extra copy of Cabinet one year freewill be 
sent to any one who will form a club of five at $1 20, or ten at $1 10. 
A Special Premium. — To any one forming a club of fifteen, 
the Cabinet will be sent to each member of the"clubat$l 10 each, 
and club agent will receive in addition all the following: The Cabinet 
one year free, the new plate of flowers, “ Treasures'of Garden and 
Woodland,” and also one of our Household Books, price $1 50. 
Special Gladiolus Premium.— To any one getting a club of 
ten at $1 20 or $1 30, we will give club agent Cabinet one year free, 
new plate, “Treasures of Garden and Woodland,” and collection of 
Gladiolus won h $3 00. For club of fifteen at $1 20, we will give the 
same, and to each member of club, one bulb of Gladiolus, which they 
could not buy elsewhere for less than $1 00. 
Special Hote. Hew Plate of Flowers.— The new plate 
of flowers, “ Treasures of Garden and Woodland,” will be sent only 
to those subscribers who remit $1 30. Those who join a club and 
wish it will remit club agent $1 30. Those who pay less than than 
$1 30 do not receive it But it will be sent to all club agents who 
get up clubs, whether they order it or not. So every club agent 
may expect to receive it soon after their clubs have been sent in. 
Claiming Premiums. —Club agents should always claim the 
premium they wish. We do not know what will suit you. We 
always wait till club agent tells us his choice. Some club agents 
send us a club and Say nothing about premium, and then complain 
because they get none. They should always claim their due, and we 
will always send it. 
Twenty Cents Commission.— To any one getting up clubs, 
who desire our Household Books, we will allow for all clubs of three, 
or over, at $1 20 or $1 30 each, 20 cents commission for each sub¬ 
scriber towards getting any of our $1 50 books. Thus a club of eight 
at $1 20 or $1 8® will secure a book worth $1 50. If agent’s club is 
less than eight, 20 cents is allowed toward any book for each name in 
his club, and he can remit balance in cash. A little effort on the part 
of each subscriber will enable him to get his hook or paper at a re¬ 
duced price. 
Holiday Presents. — The following comprise a most desirable 
list of books for Holiday presents to ladies or children. Nothing can 
be more delightful to a housekeeper than a set of these hooks. 
■Williams’ Household Series. 
Price. Price. 
Household Elegancies. cloth, $1 50. Gilt, $2 00 
Window Gardening . “ “ 
Ladies’ Fancy Work . “ “ “ “ 
Beautiful Homes . “ “ “ “ 
Evening Amusements . “ “ “ M 
$10 00 
The set of five..: . $7 50 
Williams’ Household Manuels. 
Ladies’ Guide to Needle Work. Paper covers, 50c. Cloth, $1 00 
Fret Sawing for Pleasure and Profit 
Household Hints and Recipes. 
Every Woman Her Own Flower 
Gardener. 
50c. 
50c. 
50c. 
1 00 
1 00 
1 00 
Set of four. $2 00 $4 00 
Prizes for Household and Floral Articles. - Our offer of 
prizes was so successful last- year, that we now renew it again for 
1878, The following prizes- will he given for articles on Flower, 
Window Gardening, Housekeeping, Elegancies, Needle Work, and 
kindred subjects relatiug to the comforts, pleasures and advancement 
of Home Life and Household Taste: 
For best article on Floral Subjects.$10 00 
For second best article on Floral Subjects. 5 00 
For best article on Household Subjects.... 10 00 
For second best article on Household Subjects. 5 00 
For each of next 20 best articles of Flowers, prize 
of book, “Window Gardening.” 
For each of next 20 best articles on Household Sub¬ 
jects, book, “ Household Elegancies,” or “Ladies’ 
Fancy Work.” 
For each of next 20 best articles (10 of each class of 
subjects), one Silk Book Mark. 
Contributors will notice the following rules: 1. Label all articles, 
“ For Competition.” 2. Each article to fill space equal to thre^ to 
five foolscap pages long. 3. Articles all to be forwarded to this office 
before March 15. 4. Award of prizes will b * announced in April num¬ 
ber, and prizes forwarded to the fortunate competitors April 1. 5. 
Articles contributed, not specially marked for return, maybe under¬ 
stood as having the desire of writer to be used in Floral Cabinet, 
as a voluntary contribution whenever convenient. 
The object in offering these prizes is not so much to induce the 
writing of articles for the sake of pecuniary remuneration, as it is to 
encourage our readers and writers to contribute really useful informa¬ 
tion, which will he a help and benefit to others. 
