278 APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES. 



is repeated five or six times, till, at last, they are 

 removed into their final pots. I have found it best 

 to give them their last removal after they have 

 opened their first blossoms, as it gives additional 

 brilliancy and size to the flowers. By following this 

 method the plant acquires extraordinary vigour, 

 throwing out its branches from the surface of the 

 mould, exhibiting flowers nearly as large as a full- 

 blown rose, and a stem measuring two, and some- 

 times three, inches in circumference." {Hort. Trans., 

 iii. 128). 



The plan of continually sinking the stem with 

 every succeeding potting is useful to the Balsam, 

 because it puts forth roots in abundance from its 

 stem ; and to all plants having the same property, 

 the same practice is desirable : but not to others, 

 which, if their stems do not root as fast as they 

 are buried, will suffer injury by the sinking. 



It is by paying constant attention to the shifting 

 of the growing plant, by the employment of a very 

 rich stimulating soil, and by a thorough knowledge 

 of the kind of atmosphere which suits them best, that 

 have been obtained those magnificent Pelargoniums, 

 Cockscombs, Balsams, and similar flowers, which 

 have so often and so justly excited the admiration of 

 even the most experienced gardeners. 



