80 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
larger pot. At the top of a large pot, an inch, and of a small 
one, half an inch, should be left for the reception of wa- 
ter, without danger of overflow. Alittle gravel, charcoal, 
or pieces of broken pots should always be placed at the 
bottom for drainage. 
A plant newly potted must never be exposed to a 
strong sun. It should be watered and placed in the shade 
immediately, and there remain till it is rooted, which may 
be known by its starting to grow. 
Plants are frequently destroyed by re-potting, merely 
from the careless manner in which it is done. Where the 
roots spread, plenty of room should be left open, a little 
hillock made in the centre of the pot, and the plant be- 
ing placed thereon, the roots should be distributed around 
it in a regular manner, observing that they are not 
twisted or turned up at the ends. The earth should then 
be filled in, a little at a time, and the pot gently shaken 
to settle the earth to the roots all the way down. When 
filled, it should be pressed down with the hand. It is 
very common to fill in the earth at once, and press it hard 
down, which not only wounds the tender fibres, but often 
leaves a hollow space around the lower roots, and de- 
prives them of their proper nourishment. But the thing 
most necessary to be observed is, that the roots be allowed 
their natural course. 
All plants should be kept clear of weeds, not for neat- 
ness alone, but because these exhaust the nutriment which 
should feed the plant. 
WATER. 
The best water for plants is undoubtedly rain water; 
if this cannot be obtained, river water will do, pond wa- 
ter is not so good; but worst of all is hard spring water. 
In winter, and for delicate plants, even in summer, water 
should be placed in the sun until it becomes tepid before 
it is used. 
