ON FERNS. 541 



it possesses, while over-potting frequently causes sickness. 

 Healthy well rooted plants may safely be repotted as follows : 

 from 3in. pots to 4^in. pots, from 4$in. pots to 6in. pots, 

 from 6in. pots to 8in. pots, from 8in. pots to ioin. pots, from 

 ioin. pots to 13m. pots, and so on. Ferns require repotting 

 less frequently the larger they become, and the larger the pots 

 are in which they growing ; they also should be repotted more 

 or less frequently, according to their nature and to their power 

 of growth. It is well known among practical men that these 

 plants make their hardiest and most luxuriant growth when the 

 inside surface of their pots is already covered with a network 

 of their roots. 



When proper attention is given to Ferns after repotting, this 

 operation may safely be performed at almost any time of the 

 year ; but, speaking generally, it is preferable to commence in 

 the warm house about the beginning of February, and in the 

 cool house about the beginning of March. In every case it is 

 most advisable to have the plants repotted as they start into 

 new growth. This operation may be continued through spring 

 and summer, but it is best to cease about the middle of 

 September, as little growth is made after that time, and the 

 addition of new soil, even if not injurious to the plants, is of 

 very little use, as its nutritive properties are washed out before 

 the spring by the repeated waterings the plants require in the 

 meantime. It is not advisable to put into larger pots plants with 

 roots matted together into a hard mass until they have been 

 carefully loosened as much as it can be done with safety. 

 When the roots have filled the bottom of the pots, and have 

 become thickly matted among the crocks, it is best to repot 

 without disturbing them, leaving the crocks in, for it is certain 

 that, . if for the sake of removing the crocks the roots are torn 

 away, the plants will be deprived of the best part of their 

 feeders, and will suffer accordingly. Large plants should be 

 examined and repotted if they require it, but there is no 

 necessity for repotting them every year ; , indeed, in many cases 

 it is advisable not to do so, although small plants benefit by 

 being repotted several times during the year, because in the 

 growing season, under favourable conditions, they make fresh 

 roots very rapidly. 



On account of the extremely sensitive nature of their roots, 

 Ferns should preferably be potted in old pots ; these, when 

 used, should be clean and dry, so as to prevent, whenever the 

 plants are to be repotted, the breaking of their roots, which is 

 bound to happen if the plants have been previously potted in 

 wet or dirty pots, to the sides of which the roots will be found 

 to strongly adhere. Whenever new pots are to be used, it is 

 advisable to have these put in water, in which they should 

 remain until they are thoroughly soaked, and then be well dried 



