SOILS OE COMPOSTS. 81 



determined spirit to make that success more complete. But, 

 says the reader, "Though I am quite willing, hay, desirous to try 

 my hand at growing them, how am I to proceed, and where am 

 I to procure the plants ? Is there any work on this particular 

 branch of horticulture ?" In answer to these reasonable queries 

 I reply, that in the following pages I will give the best in- 

 struction I can on their culture, giving a description of the dif- 

 ferent soils they require, the season and mode of potting or 

 planting, watering, shelter, summer and winter treatment, diseases, 

 insects, and a grouped list. Then, as to where they may be pro. 

 cured, the answer is, by collecting the British species, and by 

 purchasing exotic species of nurserymen. If the demand for them 

 should be great, enterprising dealers would be ready enough to 

 send out orders to collectors, in Europe and America, to look out 

 for and send home both roots and seeds ; and, lastly, the cultural 

 information about these plants is exceedingly meagre and scattered 

 through large botanical works, not likely to fall into the hands 

 of amateurs. There is no work or portion of a work on the' 

 subject that I know of, excepting Sowerby's "English Botany,' 

 and the " Botanical Magazine." 



THE SOILS, OE COMPOSTS. Chalky Loam. This can only be 

 obtained from places where chalk forms the substratum. The top 

 spit will have sufficient chalk amongst it to serve the purpose. If 

 that sort of soil is at a considerable distance, some lumps of 

 chalk may be procured, and some fibry loam, the chalk be broken 

 into small pieces and well mixed with the loam. Let it lay up 

 in a heap for twelve months, and let be frequently turned over 

 to incorporate them well together. 



Loam. Any pasture-ground will furnish suitable loam for the 

 kinds requiring it. A thin spit from the surface, laid up and 

 turned over till it is mellow, will suit such species as are found 

 in meadow pastures. Some few species are found in boggy 

 marshes : hence such a soil should be obtained and laid up in a 

 shady place till it is wanted. 



Loam and Sandy Peat in equal quantities will be wanted for 

 a 



