THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 209 



it, and the sides filled in firmly with the prepared compost. The 

 crown of the plant should stand well up, and the soil slope gradually 

 to the sides of the pot. This must not be overdone, aud the slope 

 from the centre to the sides should not exceed a quarter of an inch. 

 It is very important to pay particular attention to the drainage ; for 

 unless that is in good order, one half of the plants will probably go 

 blind, and produce nothing but leaves. It will also be necessary to 

 leave sufficient space to hold plenty of water ; half or three quarters 

 of an inch will be sufficient. 



A bed of coal ashes, not less than six inches in thickness, should 

 be made up in an open position for the reception of the stock after 

 it is potted. The pots may be placed close together, and thinned 

 out when the foliage begins to meet, or set at the proper distance 

 apart at once. That is merely a matter of detail, which can be 

 safely left with the cultivator, but they should have a comfortable ash 

 bed to stand upon. The worms seriously injure a large proportion 

 when they are placed about on the gravel walks, and in out-of-the- 

 way corners, according as there may be room for them. 



When the pots are full of roots, or the plants in full growth in 

 the forcing-house, an abundant supply of water at the roots is neces- 

 sary ; but when they are first potted, it must be administered with 

 the greatest care. I consider manure water quite unnecessary until 

 the flowers begin to push up in the spring. I am always particular 

 in having mine watered with soft water ; and when that is scarce, as 

 it was last summer, and there is no choice about using spring water, 

 we expose it to the atmosphere for twenty-four hours previously. 

 After the beginning of October very little artificial watering will be 

 necessary, as we generally get plenty of rain at that season : more 

 frequently we get too much, as the growth ought to be finished by 

 that time, and the plants at rest. The soil must not get dust dry, 

 or considerable injury will be done. 



By the end of October the whole of the stock should be shifted 

 into cold frames, or fruit-houses that are not at work, and where they 

 can have free exposure to the air, but be sheltered from rain. Where 

 house room cannot be spared, it is a very good plan to lay the pots 

 upon their sides, and stack them one upon the other. The foliage, 

 as a matter of course, must face outwards, and the two bottom rows 

 should be about four feet apart. The succeeding rows should be 

 placed so that they will meet at about the sixth from the bottom, and 

 the stack roughly resemble a pyramid, thus /\. To keep the pots in 

 their place, the spaces between should be filled with dry leaves or 

 litter. These stacks can easily be protected from heavy rains or 

 frosts, with the help of a few straw hurdles or mats, and the plants 

 remain uninjured until they are draughted into the houses. If pos- 

 sible, they ought to have a fortnight's probation in a cold house pre- 

 vious to taking up their abode in the forcing-house. 



vol. iv. — NO. VII. 



14 



