CULTURE OF THE .AURICULA. 
upon the individual system of the plant, and make its vegetative 
powers elaborate an increased quantity of matter, do not increase 
the fertility or the beauty of the flower in the same ratio, but rather 
the reverse. In the Auricula, it is to an improvement of ihe flower 
only that the attention of Florists is directed. The grass, the 
main stem, and the peduncles, ought to be in keeping with each 
other, and adequate to the support of the florets in the most grace¬ 
ful manner ; but still, none of these parts must be in excess, such 
as results from the use of a highly stimulating manure, but they 
should always be subordinate to the truss of florets as the 
principal part. For this reason, we are very much inclined to 
coincide in opinion with the friend to whom we have alluded, in 
considering the loam, the leaf-mould, or other decaying vegetable 
matter, and the sharp sand, as constituting the essentials of a 
proper soil for Auriculas, and all the additions as merely super¬ 
fluous, unless in so far as they may conduce to the general health 
of the plants, and keep them alive under circumstances to which 
they would otherwise give way. 
But notwithstanding this opinion, and the sure foundation upon 
which it appears to be grounded, we shall mention one or two of 
the composts that have been used and recommended by eminent 
growers. 
Mr. Hogg of Paddington,who, though not an express and avowed 
Auricula fancier, was eminently successful, and successful upon 
sound principles and well authenticated practice, in most of the 
choicer Florist's flowers, recommends rather a simple compost for 
regular growth, and a richer one for top-dressing, both of which 
had been used with eminent success by Matthew Kenny and other 
celebrated growers. This consisted of sound loam, of a somewhat 
sandy nature, as the staple of the compost. To this were added 
sheep’s dung and hog litter, and a quantity of sharp sand, if the 
loam itself did not contain enough of that ingredient. The loam 
was kept for some time, and the heap frequently turned ; and the 
other ingredient was never used until it had been kept tor at least 
eighteen months, and carefully worked and turned during that 
time. From what was formerly said, it will be seen that this 
compost had a very great resemblance to the native soil of the 
Auricula upon the Alps. The richer ingredients were sheep’s 
blood, and the dung of poultry, which were also kept for some time 
after all fermentation in them had ceased, and then mixed with the 
