GARDENING S0CTETIE3. 



181 



materials, placed beneath, the pots, to prevent worms from 

 entering them, or the holes in the bottom of them being 

 clogged up with soil For this reason a small wooden 

 stage is of gi-eat advantage, and, whenever it can be pro- 

 cm'ed, should always be made use of for this purpose, 

 pai'ticularly as it is well calculated to exhibit the flowers 

 to the gi'eatesfc advantage. Such a stage, however, when 

 employed, should never be placed exactly facing the south, 

 not only on account of preserving the plants much longer 

 in flower, but also because the heat of the sun would 

 penetrate the pots, and greatly injure the roots. A south- 

 west aspect is therefore far preferable, at least during the 

 summer months ; and when the plants are watered, it 

 will be an advantage to them to wet the pots as well as 

 the soil, in very hot weather. 



IV.— GAFcDEXIXG SOCIETIES. 



Mr. Meuteath strongly advocates the formation of dis- 

 trict societies, to promote a taste for gardening among 

 cottagers and mechanics, awarding prizes of seeds, imple- 

 ments, and the lihe, to the most successful cultivators. 

 Such societies have been formed in many counties, and 

 are now pretty numerous, but by no means so general as 

 they might and should be. Xothing could be more 

 desirable than the extension of such societies, as the 

 moral influence which they exercise over the individuals 

 forming them can scarcely be conceived unless it has been 

 "witnessed. In connexion with the allotment system, they 

 furnish the most admirable means of moral renovation. 



Xot only are habits of industry and sobriety thus formed 

 and cherished, but, as a consequence from these, unity, 

 happiness, and comfort, are introduced into the domestic 

 circle ; sociality of disposition, and genuine kindness of 

 heart are engendered : and the cottagers of Britain attain 

 to that state of moral culture which the wealthier classes 

 cannot but admire, and of domestic peace which many of 

 them might envy. We earnestly recommend all those 

 who are desirous of promoting such a state of things, to 

 further with their sanction and support the formation of 

 Gardening Societies. 



