MYRTLE. 259 



middle of May they should be gradually accustomed to 

 the open air, but placed where they may be defended 

 from strong winds. 



During the summer, Myrtles i*equire plenty of water, 

 especially the young plants, which, being in small pots, 

 are sooner dry. They should be so placed as to receive 

 the morning sun only ; for if they are exposed to the me- 

 ridian heat, the moisture contained in these small pots 

 will soon be exhaled, and the growth of the plants much 

 retarded. 



In August, if the roots have made their way through 

 the bottom of the pot, the plant must be removed into 

 one a size larger : the cultivator paring off the decayed 

 and matted roots, and with the hand loosening some of the 

 earth adhering to them, that they may find an easier pass- 

 age into the fresh earth. When newly planted they must 

 always be well watered, and placed in the shade. If the 

 branches grow in an irregular and unsightly manner, this 

 is a good time to trim them. But the sort with double 

 flowers should not be clipped, because the chief beauty 

 consists in the blossoms, and the cropped branches will 

 not produce any. 



Myrtles should be first planted in very small pots, and 

 removed into larger, as the increase of the roots may re- 

 quire ; but large pots will not only weaken, but sometimes 

 destroy them ; so that they must not be removed into 

 larger than they really want. The best seasons for re- 

 moving them are in April and in August. About the 

 middle, or, if the season be mild, the end of October, 

 Myrtles should be removed into the house, both old and 

 young ; and gradually returned to their out-door station in 

 April or May. 



In Cornwall and Devonshire, where the winters are 

 milder than in most other parts of England, Myrtles will 



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