218 HOT-HOUSE OF REPOTTING, &c. [MAY. 



always adopted around Philadelphia for that operation 

 (and then they are done indiscriminately,) we will as- 

 sign a few reasons for our practice. 



First, that it is not congenial to the nature of these 

 plants to have their roots surrounded with fresh soil, 

 when they are becoming inactive ; secondly, that there 

 is not a sufficiency of heat naturally to quicken them to 

 an active state when they are encouraged ; and thirdly, 

 being thus in new soil while dormant, they have a yellow 

 and sickly aspect until they begin to grow; and the 

 foliage thus deprived of its natural vigour will not ap- 

 pear so healthful again. Whereas, if they are shifted 

 or repotted in this or next month, at which season they 

 are between two stages of growth, they immediately, 

 on receiving fresh assistance, and by the increasing 

 heat of the summer, make new growths, are perfectly 

 ripened before the approach of winter, and never lose 

 that verdureal appearance they have attained. These 

 are our reasons acquired from a close practice and ob- 

 servation, and are not influenced by the doings of 

 others which are so much aside. No practical opera- 

 tor especially, nor in fact any individual, ought to be 

 governed by custom in regard to the treatment of plants, 

 without having an idea as to why and wherefore, 

 founded on the principles of nature, and governed by 

 her unerring results. 



As many are desirous of having a knowledge of plants, 

 before they order them, and likewise which are the 

 finest flowerers and their general character, especially 

 those who are at a great distance, and seldom have 

 the privilege of seeing what is most desirable, our de- 



