shaded from direct sunshine, but should be kept near the glass.  In May the plants will be large enough for 48-sized pots, beyond which there is no occasion to go.  When the pots become full of roots the foliage increases in brilliancy, whereas larger pots encourage free growth to the detriment of colour.  A dry atmosphere is particularly injurious, while an occasional dose of manure water will maintain the plants in health.

==Columbine—­=see= aquilegia==

==Cosmea==

==Cosmos.  Half-hardy annual==

Cosmeas make a striking show in the mixed border, and the flowers are also in large request for indoor decoration.  Disappointment is often caused, however, through the plants failing to bloom until late in the season, and therefore it is important to grow an early-flowering strain in order to insure a long-continued display.  The most successful method of raising plants is to sow the seed in pots during February, pricking off the plants as soon as large enough.  When the first flowers appear in May, transplant to positions in the open immediately danger from frost is past.

==Cyclamen==

==Half-hardy perennial==

Gardeners of experience will remember the time when the predominant colours of Cyclamen were purple and magenta, and it was impossible for the most friendly critic to feel enthusiastic concerning these flowers.  But the new colours—­Salmon Pink, Salmon Scarlet, the intense Vulcan, Rose Queen and Cherry Red, together with Giant White and White Butterfly—­are now regarded as the brightest and most beautiful decorative subjects for the long period of dark winter days of which Christmas is the centre.  As cut flowers for the dinner-table Cyclamens have no rival at that period of the year, and as specimen plants in the home they are delightful for their free-flowering habit, compact form, and elegant foliage.

Seed may be sown at any time during autumn or the early part of the year, and the plants will not only flower within twelve months, but if properly grown will produce more bloom than can be obtained from old bulbs.  We do not advise more than three sowings, the first and most important of which should be made in August or the beginning of September.  To obtain a succession of plants, sow again in October and for the last time early in the new year.  Those who have not hitherto grown Cyclamen for midwinter blooming will be well pleased with the result.  It is quite as easy to flower them in the winter as in the longer days, and this is more than can be said about most plants.

The best soil for Cyclamen is a rich, sound loam, with a liberal admixture of leaf-mould, and sufficient silver sand to insure free drainage.  Press this mixture firmly into pots or seed-pans, and dibble the seed about an inch apart and not more than a quarter of an inch deep.  Cover the surface with a thin layer of leaves or fibrous material to check rapid evaporation, and later on keep the soil free from moss.  The autumn sowings may at first be placed in a frame having a temperature of not less than 45 deg..  At the end of a fortnight transfer the pans to any warm and moist position in the greenhouse or propagating house.