ON HOTHOUSE PLANTS. 147 



sward from a pasture, which should be thrown into heap, to de- 

 compose and pulverise for a short time previous to using ; to 

 which a portion of peat soil, mixed with it, will be a suitable com- 

 post for the growth of most tropical plants. When there is a 

 scarcity of peat, a mixture of decomposed tree-leaves may be ap- 

 plied in its stead, with great advantage. Should the soil not be 

 of a naturally sandy quality, a little sand should be intermix- 

 ed, so as to render it light, and free for the roots to run in. 



The plants should all be examined in March, or April; and 

 such as appear to be in want of fresh pots, should be shifted into 

 others, a size larger ; but the operation of shifting, and size of 

 the pots should be regulated according to the state of the plants. 

 The more luxuriantly inclined species will require a larger sup- 

 ply of nourishment than those of less delicate habit, and may, 

 therefore, be admitted into larger sized pots without injury, whilst 

 the more delicate growing sorts must not be over-potted ; rather 

 repeat this operation, as the roots appear to fill the pots, than put 

 them into too large sized pots at once. The pots that are used 

 for this purpose must be well drained with small pieces of pot- 

 sherds, or any other material that will permit a free passage for 

 the superfluous moisture. There should be placed next to the 

 drainage a little of the rough fibrous substance that is collected 

 from the soil, which will admit of a ready penetration of the 

 water through it, and prevent the mould in the pots becoming too 

 much saturated with wet ; as nothing is more injurious to the 

 tender roots than to have the soil soured about them when in a 

 dormant state. During the course of the season, they will re- 

 quire to be frequently examined; and such as appear to have 

 out-grown their pots, to be removed into larger ones ; as, also, 

 any that are in an unhealthy state should be shook out of the pot, 

 and the roots examined ; and such as appear in a decayed state, 

 cut away, and the plant fresh potted; but observing in these 

 instances, to use rather small pots than large ones. In Autumn 

 the whole stock should be carefully looked over ; and those that 

 appear too much confined, for want of pot room, may be re-potted 

 into larger sized ones; care, however, should be taken not to 

 disturb or injure the roots at this advanced season. During 

 the Summer months, and growing season, they should be well 

 supplied with water, and frequently syringed over their foliage, 

 and the borders and footpaths, &.c kept in amoist state, particular- 

 ly in hot weather, which will be very conducive to the health and 



