BRASSIA, ETC. 49 



two inches above the rim of the pot ; more of the 

 above mixture should be placed round the plant, 

 and neatly finished off with small pieces of turfy- 

 peat, pegged down round the outside; this will keep 

 the mould more closely about the plant, and will 

 prevent it from being washed off by the watering. 

 The time I consider best for shifting them is when 

 they are beginning to make fresh roots from the 

 young shoots ; if done before that time the damp 

 mould brings the plant too soon into action ; or 

 if delayed until they have made their roots, they 

 are liable to get broken, without extraordinary 

 care is taken at the time ; but if done as I have 

 directed, there is not the slightest fear of either 

 case happening. 



When potted and finished off, they should 

 be put into the coolest part of the house ; very 

 little water should be given them until they have 

 advanced a little in their growth ; afterwards 

 it should be increased by degrees until the 

 plants are three parts grown ; water then should 

 be decreased by degrees ; care must also be taken 

 when watering that none gets lodged in the 

 hearts of the young shoots, or it will cause them 

 to rot off. As soon as any is perceived in them 

 they should be turned on their sides for a while, 

 so that it may run out ; the like attention is re- 

 quired that no drip from the top of the house fall 

 upon them, as it is very often their destruction. 



4 



