142 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



shaking the soil from the roots, as with some plants, take 

 a large knife and cut the roots off, leaving a hall in the 

 centre, containing the main body, of the size of a large ap- 

 ple. Then take your compost and fill the pot, placing the 

 ball with the plant in the centre. I would not advise a 

 large pot, as it would be better, in the month of June, to 

 shift the plant, without disturbing the roots, into a pot 

 larger. By adopting this plan, your plant will become more 

 thrifty, and bloom more beautifully with a larger head of 

 flowers. 



This plant, possessing such a desire for water in the 

 summer, should be kept in pans made on purpose, and be 

 filled every day or two, and be kept in the shade, for the 

 sun or want of water will make them flag. In the begin- 

 ning of October, take them out of the pans and water them 

 sparingly until the middle of November, then place them 

 in a cellar, and water once in two or three weeks, until 

 March, when you must bring them forward, re-pot, &c., 

 but guard them from the spring frost. 



The Hydrangea is hardy, and will stand out with pro- 

 tection, but will flower better if kept in the house. It is 

 injured more by the sun than frost ; avoid both. 



