CULTIVATION OF TI1E AURICULA. 
167 
for Cattleyas, a rather low temperature at all times, say 65° for 
the mean in summer, and a reduction of about 10° through the 
dull weather of winter and while the parts are dormant, main¬ 
taining throughout a corresponding difference in the supply of 
moisture. During the growing season it may be applied by 
immersing the blocks in water twice a day, and at the same time 
a tolerably free supply of fresh air should be admitted to the 
house whenever a favourable opportunity occurs, observing to 
keep the young foliage out of the way of strong draughts or 
powerful sun-light. Nothing more than this is necessary to 
insure on established plants a rich display of beautiful blossoms, 
for to its other attractions this species joins that of being a most 
abundant and free bloomer. Ed. 
ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE AURICULA. 
By Mr. J. Atkins. 
The Auricula, one of the earliest and favourite flowers of 
spring, still continues to be very generally cultivated, and many 
new varieties are still produced. 
The compost which I generally use is one part rich loam, one 1 
of leaf mould, one of decomposed horse or frame dung, and one 
ditto of cow dung and river sand. For strong plants, intended 
for exhibition, I would add to the same compost, as a stimulus, 
a portion of well-decayed night soil, with the application of 
liquid manure once or twice before top dressing in February, 
and again in March ; this, if made with one peck of sheep dung 
and the same of horse droppings, put into a large tub of water, 
and left to ferment about a week before it is used, may be 
appbed with good effect and perfect safety. 
In Winter, Auriculas do not require much of our attention 
beyond watering them occasionally, plucking oft' the dead leaves, 
and covering them with mats or litter during severe frost. I 
prefer keeping them rather dry than otherwise during winter, 
by placing them on boards in frames. I generally top dress my 
plants about the middle of February, and give them a little ma¬ 
nure water about twice in the course of the month. 
Spring. — To insure a good bloom, much depends upon the 
care taken of the plants in March, when their trusses are form- 
