ORANGE-TREE. 277 



frosty, they should be frequently, but sparingly, watered. 

 About April the earth should be removed as deep as can be 

 done without disturbing the roots, and fresh earth supplied. 

 Early in June they may be replaced in the open air ; but 

 must be sheltered from keen winds, and from the noon-day 

 sun, which would be hurtful to them. The morning sun 

 will be very beneficial, as also the gentle dews of morning : 



" E quale annunziatrice degli albori 

 L ' aura di Maggio muovesi e olezza 

 Tutta impregnata dall ' erba e da ' fiori." 



Dante Purgatorio, 24. 



" when to harbinger the dawn^ springs up 



On freshen'd wing the air of May, and breathes 

 Of fragrance, all impregned with herb and flowers." 



Cary's Translation. 



Every second year the plants should be newly potted at 

 this season ; all the roots, on the outside of the ball of 

 earth attached to them, should be cut off; as much of the 

 old earth taken away as can be done without tearing the 

 roots ; and the plants set in a tub of water for a quarter 

 of an hour, to soften the lower part of the ball. The stem 

 and leaves should be cleansed with water and a soft 

 woollen cloth. Some stones should be placed at the bot- 

 tom of the pot, and on these some earth, purposely ob- 

 tained for Orange plants, to the depth of three or four 

 inches. The plant should then be placed upright in 

 the middle, and the pot filled up, within an inch of the 

 top, with the same earth, being pressed hard down with 

 the hands. The plant should then be watered all over, 

 the watering-pot having the rose on. After this trans- 

 planting, the plants should remain in the house a week or 

 two later than on the intervening year, that they may 

 take firm root before they are exposed to the air. In dry 

 summer weather, they should be watered every even- 

 ing, both roots and leaves; observing to shed water on 



