HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL, 39 



cultivation of plants, more particularly those in pots, for they are 

 then entirely dependent on the cultivator for those conditions they 

 receive in their natural habitats. Such a soil as here recommended, 

 kept sufficiently open by any of the above mentioned ingredients, 

 is easily penetrated by air, thereby increasing its temperature, and 

 facilitating the decomposition of organic matter ; during which pro- 

 cess various healthful gases are supplied to plants. In a soil thus 

 conditioned, experience has convinced me that all kinds of green 

 house plants can be grown to great perfection, if properly managed 

 in other respects." 



Further experience has tended to corroborate these views. I sel- 

 dom make any distinction in soils unless for experiment. Heaths, 

 Geraniums, Azaleas, Achimenes, Epacris, all potted out of the same 

 pile. Rotted turves, charcoal and sand suits every purpose. 



In a small house, constructed as described by your correspondent 

 at page 326, last volume, the Heath could be easily managed. In- 

 stead of plunging the pots in ashes, I would prefer the bottom of 

 the pit made water tight, and a few inches of water kept in it dur- 

 ing summer. This could be cheaply constructed : a paving of bricks 

 laid in cement would answer every purpose. Many other plants 

 besides Heaths would here find a congenial summer residence. Of 

 course the pots would be elevated above the water. In this way 

 I am confident the Heath could be grown to great perfection. Even 1 

 in a mixed green-house, I have at the present time some plants in 

 pure loamy soil in the most robust health. The above remarks, 

 therefore, are not theoretical, but the result of observation in prac- 

 tice. WM, SAUNDERS. 



Baltimore, Jan., 1853. 



Messrs. Editors : — I have just perused the last two numbers of 

 the " Florist," which have made such an impression on my mind 

 that I shall not be able to sleep until I have communicated to you 

 my reflections, and congratulated you upon the new discovery of 

 " Experiment." Ah ! we have at least the hope, " perhaps," to see 

 another Chiswick. It is really comforting. A Chiswick, in a north 

 or north-east aspect, between four brick walls, four feet six inches 



