460 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



the roots. If they are matted about the sides and bottom 

 of the ball, the plant evidently requires fresh potting. 

 Then carefully reduce the ball of earth to about a third of 

 its original bulk; single out the matted roots, and trim 

 away all that are mouldy and decayed. Probably the 

 same pot may then be large enough ; but, if it requires a 

 larger, it should be about two inches broader for a middle- 

 sized plant ; three or four for a large plant. If the roots 

 are not matted, but the pots are filled with the fibres, keep 

 the ball entire, and carefully plant it in a larger pot. 

 At the top of a large pot, an inch ; of a small pot, half 

 an inch, should be left for the reception of water, without 

 danger of overflow. A little gravel should always be at the 

 bottom. 



A plant newly potted must never be exposed to a strong 

 sun : it should be watered and placed in the shade im- 

 mediately, and there remain till it is rooted ; which may be 

 known by its shooting above. 



Plants are frequently destroyed by replanting, merely 

 from the careless manner in which it is done. Where the 

 roots spread, plenty of room should be left open, a little 

 hillock made in the centre of the pot, and the plant being 

 placed thereon, the roots should be distributed around it in 

 a regular manner, observing that they are not twisted or 

 turned up at the ends. The earth should be filled in, a 

 little at a time, and the pot gently shaken, to settle the 

 earth to the roots all the way down. When filled, it 

 should be pressed down with the hand. It is very com- 

 mon to fill in the earth at once, and press it hard down ; 

 which not only wounds the tender fibres, but often leaves 

 a hollow space towards the bottom of the roots, and de- 

 prives them of their proper nourishment. But the thing 

 most necessary to be observed is, that the roots be allowed 

 their natural course. 



