168 CULTIVATION. 



or two of the rough nodules that do not pass the 

 sieve or screen ; then fill up with the fine com- 

 post as far as is necessary to allow the reception 

 of the plants. These, whether in pairs, threes, 

 or fours, are turned out of the small pots, leaving 

 the ball entire; only taking away a little of the 

 top and bottom ; place this in the middle of the 

 large pot, very little deeper than it was before ; 

 fill up round with the sifted compost, striking the 

 pot several times on the ground or potting-board, 

 to settle the contents equally and compactly; 

 giving water immediately. 



At this time the number and kinds are selected 

 for the stage (if so intended), together with a 

 certain number of supernumeraries to supply 

 blanks, should any occur. The remainder, if 

 any, should be planted on a prepared border, to 

 flower there. It is said that, if the stage plants 

 were selected when first potted, and the surplus 

 planted at once into a bed, they would stand 

 the winter, with ordinary care, and flower better 

 than if kept in pots till the spring. This, 

 however, is always determined by the opinion or 



