ON THE CULTIVATION OF MIGNONETTE IN POTS. 203 
using more loam at this season is, because the compost then 
retains moisture longer than if a less proportion were employed; 
and thus the necessity of frequent applications of water is in 
great measure done away. In dull weather, mignonette is very 
impatient of water; and, when it is applied, it should be done in 
the morning, in order that the foliage may become dry before 
night. For this sowing I would use 48-sized pots, giving them a 
good drainage. 
In preparing the frame for their reception, it should be raised 
behind, so as to give it a good inclination towards the south, for 
the purpose of gaining the full benefit of the sun, and also of 
preventing drips, which are very injurious, as the plants seldom 
recover from checks occasioned by their becoming very wet. The 
bottom of the frame should be covered with brick rubbish, and 
over this there should be a stratum of rough coal ashes, and 
again, on the top, 6 inches of finely sifted ashes. This must be 
arranged so that, when the pots are plunged, they may not be 
more than 9 inches from the glass. When the seeds are vege¬ 
tated, give as much air as possible ; and by attention the plants 
will begin to flower about the beginning of December, and keep 
in good condition for three months. 
The final sowing should be made about the beginning of Oc¬ 
tober ; using the same sort of soil and pots, preparing the 
frame in the same manner as directed for the preceding, and 
taking great care in the watering and thinning. By the beginning 
of March the plants will commence flowering. 
When frost sets in, cover the glass with mats and loose hay, 
taking them off on every favourable opportunity, as the young 
plants, when excluded too long a time from the light, will turn 
yellow, and damp off. I would also lay some long litter around 
the frame, to prevent the frost from penetrating through the 
sides. 
It may be well to mention that, in thinning, the plants ought 
to be left as nearly of an equal size as possible in each pot, 
retaining the largest in some, and the smallest in others. This 
will give a longer succession of bloom : and, if at any time one 
sowing is likely to be over before the next is ready, pinch out 
the tops of a few of them when they are beginning to flower; 
this will cause them to break out again, and bloom three weeks 
or a month later than the others of the same sowing. 
