CULTIVATION IN POTS. 49 



*' thumbs" or small 60's, this shift should be into 4S's (5-inch pots), which 

 will be sufficiently large for the present. Very small tubers may even be 

 allowed to bloom in this size the first season, and nice little decorative 

 plants can be produced in 5-inch pots, with the aid of liquid manure. The 

 soil for this shift should be of a slightly heavier nature than that recom- 

 mended for the small pots, so that a larger proportion of loam will be desir- 

 able. Reduce the quantity of coco-nut fibre or omit it altogether, for it 

 contains no nourishment whatever, its only use being to keep the compost 

 open ; but if the soil is deficient in porosity, or if leaf-soil is scarce, a small 

 part may still be employed, as we. have generally found this substance 

 encourage root-action considerably. On the whole, we should recommend a 

 compost consisting of about three parts of rather rough yellow loam or 

 decayed turf, which should not be of a fine or sandy nature rather the 

 reverse, two parts of leaf-soil, sweet and flaky, one part of thoroughly- decayed 

 hot-bed manure or half-decayed hops, with half a part each of fresh, granular 

 coco-nut fibre and coarse-grained silver sand Leighton Buzzard is the best. The 

 compost should by no means be sifted, and, though well mixed, ought not to 

 be turned about mere than is really necessary. If the plants are to be grown 

 on quickly, add another part of decayed spent hops, if they can be got, to 

 the above. Anything like fresh or rank manure must be carefully avoided, 

 more particularly while the plants are small or delicate. At one time we were 

 under the impression that the soil could not be made too rich, and made a 

 free use of manure, more' or less decayed ; but we soon discovered it would 

 not do the roots could not enter it, and the plants became unhealthy and 

 ceased to grow. Two or three pieces of crock, placed concave side downwards 

 over the drainage-hole will be sufficient, with a few freshly-burnt cinders, a 

 little "ballast" (or burnt clay), a handful of half-decayed hops, or even a 

 little of the rougher parts of the compost over the crocks will ensure 

 perfect drainage. It may be remarked by the way that these same spent 

 hops, when about half decayed, seem to suit Begonias, and, indeed, almost 

 all other soft- wooded plants admirably ; and we have sometimes, when short 

 of leaf-soil, used this material as a substitute with very good results. A 

 few handfuls placed in the bottom of the shallow boxes in which Stocks,' 

 Asters, Petunias, and many other similar subjects are to be pricked out 

 in the spring not only acts as drainage to a sufficient extent, but is pro- 

 ductive of a healthy and vigorous growth in the young plants, and is much 

 superior to moss, coco-nut fibre, or the littery manure often employed for 

 this purpose. 



But to return to our text : In re-potting this time press the soil 

 moderately firm with the fingers, just covering the surface of the old ball 

 with the fresh material. The degree of firmness desirable is a matter re- 

 quiring some discretion ; loose potting causes a quick and rapid, but com- 

 paratively soft growth, and does not give "lasting" power, so that in the 



