INTEODUCTION. XV 



In shifting very large specimens it is sometimes advisable to 

 reverse a small pot over the hole at the bottom before 

 putting in the draining materials. Examine the balls 

 attached to the roots ; if they are very dry, soak them 

 thoroughly in tepid water, and let them have time to drain 

 off the superfluous moisture. If potted in a dry state, it is 

 almost impossible ever to wet the old ball thoroughly, and 

 the plant, consequently, languishes and turns sickly for a 

 long time. If the ball is in a proper state of moisture it 

 may be potted at once. 



These plants will bear a large shift in such a light, open 

 compost. Small plants may be allowed a full inch between 

 the old ball and the sides of the new pot ; and larger plants 

 may have from 1 J to 2 inches. Fill in the pot as much soil 

 over the drainage as will raise the ball nearly level with the 

 rim, then place the plant upon it, and fill the compost round 

 it, pressing it down pretty firmly as the soil is put in. 

 When quite full, give the pot a smart stroke or two upon 

 the bench, to settle the soil equally in every part, and be 

 careful to leave sufficient room between the top of the pot 

 and the soil to hold water sufficient to wet the whole 

 thoroughly every time water is applied. This space, as a 

 matter of course, must be small for small plants, and so on 

 in proportion to the size. Very large plants will require a 

 full inch to hold water enough to wet such large balls. 



The reader may here exclaim, " But how shall I know 

 when the soil in the pots is thoroughly wetted ?" In all the 

 operations of gardening there is none that requires more 

 judgment and experience than that of watering. Many a 

 fine Fern, and Heath, too, have perished by improper treat- 

 ment in watering, and that, in a great measure, has arisen 

 from injudicious potting. If the space between the soil and 



