THE PLEASURE GROUND. 26? 



April ; and such as appear to be in want of fresh 

 pots, should be shifted into others, a size larger; 

 but the operation of shifting, and size of the pots, 

 should be regulated according to the state of the 

 plants. The more luxuriantly inclined species will 

 require a larger supply of nourishment than those of 

 less delicate habit, and may, therefore, be admitted 

 into larger sized pots without injury, whilst the 

 more delicate growing sorts must not be over-potted ; 

 rather repeat this operation, as the roots appear to 

 fill the pots, than put them into too large sized 

 pots at once. The pots that are used for this pur- 

 pose must be well drained with small pieces of pot- 

 sherds, or any other material that will permit a free 

 passage for the superfluous moisture. There should 

 be placed next to the drainage a little of the rough 

 fibrous substance that is collected from the soil, which 

 will admit of a ready penetration of the water through 

 it, and prevent the mould in the pots becoming too 

 much saturated with wet ; as nothing is more in- 

 jurious to the tender roots than to have the soil 

 soured about them when in a dormant state. Du- 

 ring the course of the season, they will require to 

 be frequently examined; and such as appear to have 

 out-grown their pots, to be removed into larger ones ; 

 as, also, any that are in an unhealthy state should be 

 shook out of the pot, and the roots examined ; and 

 such as appear in a decayed state, cut away, and 

 the plant fresh potted ; but observing, in these in- 

 stances, to use rather small pots than large ones. 

 In Autumn, the whole stock should be carefully 

 looked over ; and those that appear too much con- 

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