172 ON EXOTIC PLANTS. 



Early in July, many of them will be growing pretty fast, and will 

 require to be potted off into separate pots ; as it is much preferable 

 to do this while they are young and small, before their roots become 

 matted together, ihan it is afterwards ; besides, that they have a con- 

 siderable portion of the growing season before them to establish them- 

 selves, before the winter stops their career. 



In performing this work, care should be taken to match the pot to 

 the size of the plants, and nature of the species to be potted ; as 

 overpotting these seedlings might be of the worst consequence. The 

 largest size pots I would recommend for this use, (unless the plants 

 be particularly strong) are what are called small sixties, or halfpenny 

 pots : but for heaths, and such like very small articles, a still less 

 size is to be provided ; these are known by the very appropriate 

 name of thimble pots, on account of their diminutive size. 



Being provided with a quantity of these, and the different sorts of 

 mould properly prepared, that may be requisite (or the kinds to be 

 done, proceed to part the plants ; in doing which, let the nicest care 

 be taken to preserve as much roots, and earth to each plant, as can 

 possibly be done without injuring the others; let them be neatly 

 potted in the proper mould, which must be gently pressed to the 

 roots, that they may the the sooner incorporate themselves with it. 

 In this manner, pot as many as may be thought sufficient for the 

 present purpose, at the same time allowing a few for mischances. 

 They must then be well watered, in the manner already directed for 

 seedlings, and set in a cool frame, on coal ashes well rolled, or any 

 other hard substance that will prevent the worms getting so freely 

 into them, as they otherwise would. The lights must be kept con- 

 stantly on, and close, for a few days, more or less, as circumstances 

 may require ; aud it will be also necessary to shade tliem very secure 

 from the strong rays of the sun at first ; however in a little time, the 

 lights may be taken off at night, if fine, having them on, and shading 

 in the day, until by degrees, the plants are so hardened as to he able 

 to withstand the full power of the sun ; thus in the space of a fort- 

 night or so, they will be fit to be set in the clumps along with the 

 other plant. 



This business should not be undertaken later than the middle of 

 August; for if executed at a more advanced season, the plants will 

 not time to establish themselves, and consequently will not succeed 

 to the wishes of the proprietor ; therefore, any that may remain in 

 the pots, not strong enough to be parted by that period, should be 

 removed into the greenhouse early in September, and there placed 

 in their proper situation in that department until the spring following. 



