MAY.] FLOWERS. 495 



this time, be removed to a cool, shaded situation, 

 till August, when they should be fresh potted. 

 They may be placed on a floor of ashes or gravel, 

 or on rows of bricks ; and must be duly watered, 

 according to the state of the weather. 



It has been found, that about the end of July, or 

 first of August, is the best time in the year for the 

 operation of potting, on a double account, viz. If 

 potted in April or the beginning of May, the plants 

 are apt to flower in autumn, in a weak and imper- 

 fect state ; and whether so, or not, their roots fill 

 the pots entirely In the course of summer, exhaust 

 the earth, and so are less strong and vigorous for 

 flowering in spring, than if potted in August. If 

 shifted then, they get just sufficiently established be- 

 fore winter, and by being fresh earthed and dressed, 

 as directed in March, a vigorous growth of both 

 roots and stems, commences with the season. 



To this may be added, that the slips or offsets, 

 being allowed to remain on the plants, get strength, 

 and more immediately become fine plants, after be- 

 ing separated from the mothers, than if taken off in 

 April or May ; and so much trouble is saved in 

 rearing of them. By their remaining on through 

 the summer, too, the inactivity mentioned above, 

 is in a great measure prevented ; as in order to nou- 

 rish and sustain them, the whole plant must be in a 

 state of active vegetation. They must, therefore, as 

 said above, be duly supplied with water, both at the 

 root and over the leaves. 



Although it is not proper to fresh pot them at 

 this time, yet, for the sake of the slips, if the rear- 



