Polyanthuses under potculture should be top-dressed in the early part of this month with a compost of equal parts cow manure, loam of medium strength, and leaf-mould. (Decayed wood pile is an excellent substitute for leaf-mould.) Remove a little of the top-soil, pick off decayed foliage, and earth them up a full half inch above the stem of the plant, that the young spring roots may receive the benefit of the compost on their first putting forth. Polyanthuses require more water than Auriculas; let them have the benefit of refreshing showers in temperate weather as often as they require moisture. Those in borders, if not already done, should be earthed up forthwith, and search made for slugs at every opportunity. A little lime-water applied at this time will assist to make a clearance of these pests. Apply it on a warm day, and watch for their escape, for they are certain to move if touched with the above liquid. Sow Polyanthus seed, if not already done. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #1

Polyanthuses are not so liable to injury by rain as Auriculas; let them have showers more frequent, until the pips begin to expand. Shelter and protect as for Auriculas. Due attention to watering must be observed; the soil should be well moistened.

Polyanthuses In Borders

Earth up, if not already done, and continue the search for insects, as recommended in last Number. Frequent stirrings of the surface-soil will prove advantageous to the plants, and greatly assist in the destruction of insects, particularly if practised in dry weather.

Polyanthuses #2

The treatment of Polyanthuses in pots from the beginning of the month, and during the time of their flowering, will be the same as given for Auriculas, with one exception, viz. they will require a more liberal supply of water. A little extra attention must be given to the named flowers in beds, in order to preserve the blooms from mischievous insects. Slugs are very fond of the blossoms, and while there is one in the neighbourhood, it will be sure to attack the Polyanthus. Do all you can to exterminate these pests. Hoe the surface of the soil between the plants as often as you find it cased or cemented by washing rains, and keep the plants clear of weeds. The seed-beds will now daily present you with new faces; look over them often, and mark the perfect and promising sorts. Pin-eyed flowers are not all unworthy of preservation. When the colours, the form, and the lacing are of first-rate character, they should be saved as seeders: much may be expected from them, if fertilised by pollen collected from superior and perfect varieties.

In fact, this class offers a better opportunity of carrying out the science of hybridising than that of the thrum-eyed, and perhaps would be attended with greater success if persevered in.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #3

Four varieties, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Holland, of Middleton, near Manchester, for Buck's George IV., Beauty of England, Princess Royal, and Pearson's Alexander.

Polyanthuses #4

Polyanthuses, whether under pot-culture or in the borders, maybe parted and transplanted as soon as out of bloom, except those marked for seed, which should not be disturbed till the seed is harvested. Seedling Polyanthuses that were sown early will now be fit to plant out. Prepare a shady border for the purpose, and plant them three or four inches apart for the present; or finally at six inches apart each way. Attend to watering them till well established, and keep them clear of weeds, slugs, snails, etc. Peckham. J. T. Nevtlle.

Polyanthuses #5

Gather the seed as directed for Auriculas. For further particulars, see last Number.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #6

Polyanthuses may be parted at the end of the month, if not done in May last. Be sure to plant them deep enough; so that the new fibres may at once enter the soil, instead of being exposed to the ravages of slugs, etc. In dry weather these troublesome insects take shelter beneath the foliage of the Polyanthus; and if not looked after, will not only devour the young roots, but also eat holes into the stems of the plants. Earthing up, and frequent stirrings of the surface in hot weather, will destroy numbers, and prevent much mischief.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #7

See last Number.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #8

Pick off all the dead leaves, and hoe the surface between the plants; taking care to well earth-up the stems at the same time, and as much as possible secure them from the attacks of slugs. The weather has been particularly favourable for the destruction of this pest; and if the surface-soil in the beds has been stirred occasionally during the hot dry weather, but few can have escaped with life. Seedlings shewing flower this month should be examined, and a mark placed on the promising and good flowers. Polyanthuses in pots should be treated after the manner of the Auriculas.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #9

If the recommendations given in the last Number be carried out, little more can be done at present.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.

Polyanthuses #10

The long dry summer has done much towards eradicating the pest of the Polyanthus, the slug. But, notwithstanding, numbers will be found among these plants, and an industrious search at this period will avert much mischief in the spring. Draw the soil well up to the shoulders of the plants, or add a little more if required to make the beds level. Polyanthuses under pot culture will bear more moisture than Auriculas, but in other respects the treatment will be the same for this month.

Peckham. J. T. Neville.