POTTINa. 17 



out of the pot very carefully, taking great care not to break or 

 bruise the roots. Very likely some roots will be found adhering 

 to the sides of the pots so closely that they will not leave them 

 without breaking. In such a case I used to thrust a thiu-bladed 

 knife, such as painters use to work their colours on the palette, 

 down between the roots so fixed and the pots. With care and 

 dexterity this may be done without injuring the roots. I have 

 met with some bad cases where the roots were numerous and too 

 firmly fixed to the pots to be got off with the knife. In such 

 instances I have broken the pot very gently, removing as much 

 of it as I could, and leaving the rest with the roots fastened to 

 the pieces as I found them. Having by these means got the 

 plant clear of the pot, then shake off all the old compost and 

 examine the roots all that are dead cut clean away to the living 

 parts. Then, whilst the plant is in hand, look out for and clean 

 away all insects, such as brown and white scale, black thrips, 

 &c. If the white scale (the worst of all) abounds, wash the 

 plant with strong soap water or Gishurst Compound, and 

 cleanse the leaves also of any dirt or dust that may be on them. 

 This washing being done, lay the plant down the leaves will be 

 drying whilst the pot for it is prepared. Let it be of a size in 

 proportion to the size of the plant. Orchids, however, require 

 larger pots than most other plants, because they have mostly 

 larger and longer roots. The fresh pot should be quite clean 

 inside and out. Begin to drain it by laying a large piece of 

 broken pot over the hole or holes (for large pots should have 

 three holes), prop this crock up with a small piece on one side, 

 place other large pieces upon this central one, then the next size, 

 and, lastly, the small-sized potsherds. Upon them place a thin 

 layer of pieces of charcoal, and then put in sufficient of the right 

 kind of compost to raise the plant a little above the rim of the 

 pot. Small plants may be raised one inch, middling-sized two 

 inches, and large ones from three to four inches. Each plant 

 should stand as if on a little hillock in the centre of the pot 

 Make the compost firm, working it in amongst the roots. Then, 



