IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CULTURE OF 



from one pot to another, without loss of roots. 

 The surface of the reduced turf was covered with 

 a layer of vegetable mould obtained from decayed 

 leaves, and of sandy-loam, to prevent the growth 

 of the grass-roots. The pots were then placed to 

 stand upon brick-piers, near the glass ; and the 

 piers being formed of loose bricks (without mor- 

 tar), were capable of being reduced as the height 

 of 'the plants increased. The temperature of the 

 house was generally raised in hot and bright days, 

 chiefly by confined solar heat, from 95 to 105, 

 and sometimes to 110, no air being ever given till 

 the temperature of the house exceeded 95 ; and 

 the escape of heated air was then, only in a slight 

 degree permitted, In the night, the temperature 

 of the house generally sunk to 70, or somewhat 

 lower. At this period, and through the months of 

 July and August, a sufficient quantity of pigeons' 

 dung was steeped in the water, which was, given to 

 the Pine plants, to raise its colour nearly to that 

 of porter, and with this they were usually supplied 

 twice a day in very hot weather ; the mould in the 

 pots being kept constantly very damp, or what 

 gardeners would generally call wet. In the even- 

 ings, after very hot days, the plants were often 

 sprinkled with clear water, of the temperature of 

 the external air ; but this was never repeated till 

 all the remains of the last sprinkling had disap- 

 peared from the axillae of the leaves. 



" It is, I believe, almost a general custom with 

 gardeners, to give their Pine plants larger pots in 



