OF POTTING. 269 



1830, a pine-apple, obtained by this treatment; weigh 

 ing 91b. 4oz., was sent to the King of England by Mr. 

 Edwards of Rheola ; and the success of other growers, 

 in the same manner, has been remarkable. (See Sort. 

 Trans., n. s., i. 388.) 



The exhaustion of soil by a plant is one of the most 

 obvious inconveniences of potting. The organisable 

 matter in a soluble state, contained in a garden pot, 

 must necessarily be soon consumed by the numerous 

 roots crowded into a narrow compass, and continually 

 feeding upon it. The effects of this are seen in the 

 smallness of leaves, the weakness of branches, the 

 fewness and imperfect condition of flowers, &c. ; and 

 the gardener remedies them by applying liquid ma- 

 nure, by frequent shifting, or by placing his plants in 

 pan-feeders, shallow earthen vessels containing ma- 

 nure, to which the roots have access through the 

 holes in the bottom of a pot. It is, however, to shift-, 

 ing, more particularly, that recourse is had for reno- 

 vating the soil ; and this, if skilfully performed, with- 

 out giving a sudden and violent shock to the plant, 

 is probably the best means; because the roots are 

 thus allowed more liberty of distribution, and the 

 earth is kept more open (more permeable) than when 

 consolidated by repeated applications of liquid ma- 

 nure. There is, however, a difficulty in shifting 

 plants without injury to their roots, in the midst of 

 full vegetation ; and at such times the application of 

 liquid manure is preferable, when the soil requires 

 renovation. 



It is not, however, by mere exhaustion that potted 



