78 PRINCIPLES OF GARDENING. [CH. II. 



sifted fine, as gardeners formerly directed, let all the 

 small pebbles remain, and pieces of charcoal, none 

 smaller than nuts, be mixed so as to pei'vade the earth 

 at distances of about two inches. Let the whole rest 

 upon a di'ainage composed entirely of charcoal, the 

 pieces not less than small walnuts. This treat- 

 ment, suggested by nature, but first recommended, 

 by Mr. Barnes, of Bicton Gardens, secures ac- 

 ceptable food to the roots, and prevents the occur- 

 rence to them of that fatal evil, stagnant water. 

 Let the plants once a year be taken out of their 

 pots, their heads reduced in size, and a portion of 

 the exterior roots be removed. Let them be re- 

 turned into the same pots, with similar attention to 

 the soil and drainage, for it is an inconvenience 

 mostly growing out of error, to give them larger 

 pots annually. Mr. Knight grew even a nectarine 

 tree for more than nine years in the same pot. 

 This restriction to small-sized pots cannot be always 

 effected ; and when shifting is necessary, it is ad- 

 \'isable to remove, as much as possible, the old 

 soil, of coui'se without injurmg the roots. This is 

 generally best effected by soaldng the ball of earth 

 in water ; and thus it may be washed almost entirely 

 away, and the roots be left coated with a mud that 

 is beneficial to them, and preserves them from 

 drying, until the fresh soil is well settled about them. 



