SUCCESSIVE SHIFTING. 441 



the warmth to which the pot is exposed is immediately felt by 

 the roots; and the latter, as they grow, .ramify regularly 

 through the mass of earth. The practical effect of this is well 

 shown by the Kev. William Williamson, who thus describes 

 his mode of treating the Balsam. 



" As soon as they have got four leaves, I transplant them 

 singly into the smallest pots I can procure, and in such a 

 manner that the stem of the plant may be covered somewhat 

 more than it was at first, and then aU are to be again placed in 

 the frame. In a short time, if there be a sufficiency of heat, 

 that part of the stem which is covered with the mould puts 

 forth fibres, by which nourishment is conveyed more immedi- 

 ately to the principal stem of the plant. As soon as the plants 

 are a little advanced in growth, they are again removed (if 

 possible without disturbing the earth) into somewhat larger 

 pots, still planting them rather deeper than before. The same 

 process 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 fuU-blown rose, and a 

 stem measuring two, and sometimes three, inches in circum- 

 ference." {Hort. Trans., iii. 128.) It must here be borne in 

 mind that the plan of continually sinking the stem with every 

 succeeding potting, although useful to the Balsam, because it 

 puts forth roots in abundance from its stem, and to all plants 

 having the same property, ought never to be practised with 

 those having a different nature ; for, if stems do not root as 

 fast as they are buried, nothing but injury will foUow from 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 many of those 

 magnificent " specimen plants" which so justly excite the admi- 

 ration of every body at the Metropolitan exhibitions of flowers. 



