THE CYCLAMEN. 
245 
month or six weeks after potting I keep them out of doors, or, in 
fact, they may remain, and will grow the stronger for it, till a 
probability of frost renders their removal advisable; not that 
they are tender, for, with the exception of persicum , all will bear 
the worst weather without flinching, but a check at this time may 
have the effect of throwing the flowering season a month back¬ 
ward, and on this account I remove all the potted plants before 
they are subject to excessive cold. Having a considerable number, 
it would be inconvenient to take them indoors all together, so 
they are in the interim stationed in a common frame, and being 
allowed plenty of air in the day, with protection at night, they 
grow vigorously, and seldom fail to bloom abundantly. The 
watering is moderately performed at first, and the character of 
the season precludes the necessity of giving much when in a more 
advanced stage ; but when taken into the house, which commences 
about Christmas, and is continued in succession as they show 
signs of flowering, an increased allowance is indulged in, to meet 
the additional requirements of the rising leaves and flowers, and 
to counteract the dry atmosphere of the room. The expansion 
of flowers generally begins in February, and continues up till 
April, and beautifully they group with such things as hyacinths 
and narcissi. I need say nothing more of them in this stage, 
for we have only to give them their regular supply of water and 
quietly enjoy their beauties, till the flowers begin to fade : a very 
active movement of the roots then takes place, and as much air 
as can be supplied without subjecting them to a check from cold 
should be given ; with me they are taken back to the frame, and 
there stand till the weather permits their entire removal to the 
open air. As a summer position, the foot of a north wall is 
selected, and here being carefully supplied with water, so long as 
any signs of growing are yet perceivable, they attain the com¬ 
pletion of the season’s action, and are then allowed to sink 
gradually into a dormant state. A careful watch for slugs is 
necessary, or they sometimes commit sad ravages on the tubers. 
The period when the plants are losing their seasonal activity is 
the most particular one ; the inclination to rest must be encouraged 
by withholding water, and when the leaves begin to wither, the 
pots should be turned on their sides, the more effectually to 
prevent any undue moisture coming at the roots. But previously 
