CULTURE 19 



light dampings overhead with a can and rose and syringe 

 will also help them, but this should not be continued too 

 late in the day. The foliage should always be dry 

 during the night, at this time of year. 



When plants are newly potted they should be allowed 

 to become fairly dry, that is the pot should have a hollow 

 sound when rapped with the knuckles, ere the watering- 

 pot is introduced. They should then have two or three 

 successive waterings, preferably with a rose affixed to the 

 can to prevent the washing up of the new soil. 



This will thoroughly moisten all parts of the soil, 

 and then commences activity of the roots. 



I think it is generally agreed among all growers that 

 it is an advantage to allow a plant to stand a reasonable 

 time before watering, always supposing the soil of the 

 plant was in a thoroughly moist condition, ere it was 

 transferred to another pot. 



To attempt to repot any plant, when the soil is at all 

 dry, is one of the grossest evils. Unless the whole of 

 the soil is being shaken away from the roots, as in the 

 case of orchids and tuberous-rooted plants, exceptions 

 may be made. And to water plants as Chrysanthemums 

 just previous to potting is wrong. 



Unless a sufficient time is allowed to elapse, only a 

 portion of the ball of the plant becomes moistened, 

 while another part remains dust dry. 



This may remain dry for an indefinite period in the 

 newly potted state, and be very detrimental to the health 

 of the plant. 



Too much water given to a newly potted plant often 

 sours the fresh soil, and this in turn will retard the 

 plant in throwing out new roots, and much valuable 

 time will be lost. 



