POTTING. IT 



which will be preferable, the whole being covered with rough 

 peat fibre, to prevent the soil mixing with it. Some growers 

 begin repotting at a stated time in the spring, and go through 

 their whole collection at one time. This system may be 

 convenient, but it is certainly unwise and most unnatural ;. 

 indeed, it is impossible to lay down any definite rule, as some 

 few things must be repotted directly after blooming. - Now,, 

 as all plants do not start into growth at the same time, 

 though in the same temperature, those which are dormant 

 cannot take up the nourishment from the new soil, which 

 consequently by frequent waterings becomes soddened, and 

 comparatively old before the roots are in a fit state to move' 

 into it. It has always appeared to us — and wherever prac- 

 ticable, we have been guided by this in our practice — that 

 the very best time to repot a plant is in spring, just when 

 it begins to push forth new growth, because then the roots- 

 and branches are acting in unison, and both are in a fit state 

 to receive fresh nutriment. 



Everything being in perfect readiness — the compost pro- 

 perly mixed, and in a nice half-moist condition, neither wet 

 nor dry, and the pot either new or clean, dry, and properly 

 drained — the plant to be shifted, if a large one, should be 

 stood upon the stand before mentioned, the pot slipped down, 

 and the old drainage taken away. The roots, if matted, 

 must be carefully disentangled, as much of the old soil being 

 removed as can be done without injury to them. Then some 

 of the new compost must be put into the fresh pot, just 

 sufScient to bring the surface of the old soil to within about 

 half an inch of the top, and having carefully placed the plant- 

 in the middle, and at the proper level, the new soil is to 

 be filled in around it, care being taken to press it down 

 quite firmly. After this operation has been performed, a 

 little higher temperature and extra shade should be given* 



