274 General Notices. 



inquiry, and, as we have already stated, they are important ones. On the 

 first we need not again enlarge, since we recently adverted to that subject, 

 further than to repeat that all kinds of trees whatever that may have at any 

 time been grown in a garden-pot, and are of such kinds also as naturally 

 attain the size of a tree or large shrub, ought never to be planted without 

 their roots being first laid out as straight as possible. We know of no ex- 

 ception to this rule amongst hardy plants which deserve the name of trees. 

 If there are any trees with roots similar to those of Rhododendron ponticum 

 or camellia, Avhich never do, under any circumstances, make largo or strong 

 roots, then in the case of such trees an exception may be made ; but all 

 others, magnolias included, ought to be treated in the way to which we 

 refer. 



With regard to planting into the free soil large and established plants of 

 camellia, the chief thing to be feared and guarded against, is the fatal and 

 common evil of perishing for want of water at the roots. We have seen 

 this happen, as many others have seen it, scores of times. A camellia, or 

 any other plant which has for some time previously been grown in a gar- 

 den-pot or tub, and the ball of earth has become filled with roots — the plant 

 is timidly removed from its pot or tub, and if possible without disturbing a 

 single root; it is so placed in the bed of earth prepared for it, which is 

 cautiously placed around it, and it may be that the surrounding earth is 

 made very solid and firm by treading ; but it is equally probable that it 

 is not. 



We are far from wishing it to be supposed that Ave believe this to be the 

 common practice of experienced horticulturists ; but we have seen it hap- 

 pen in the hands of persons who have had great experience; and notwith- 

 standing anything that we can say either now or hereafter, it will of course 

 continue to happen. Any plant or tree, therefore, which has for some time 

 been grown in a pot or tub, the ball of earth and tiie roots having become 

 hard and much matted, being turned out into the loose earth of a conserva- 

 tory — but little reflection will be needed to understand that a plant so cir- 

 cumstanced must suffer for want of a due share of moisture at the roots. 

 That this must take place is evident, unless some artificial means be adopted 

 to compel the water, which from time to time is given to the plant, to pass 

 through the hard and compact earth containing the roots of the plant, and 

 not pass into the coarse soil of the common border. The latter is that 

 which so frequently happens, and causes the death of so many camellias 

 and similar plants when turned into the free soil. — ( Gard. Jour., 1852, p. 

 259.) 



Hints for the Management of the Flower-Garden. — "My flow- 

 er-garden is small, but I like to see it gay. I endeavor to make it so, but I 

 never succeed so well as I could wish. I have no convenience for winter- 

 ing what are called bedding-plants, and my means will not allow me to 

 spend much money in their purchase ; but my friends, who know my love 

 for flowers, and are acquainted with my circumstances, tell me I might ac- 

 complish a great deal by employing annuals. I have tried them for several 

 seasons, and am not satisfied with the effect they produce. The greater 



