52 



matted, a few of the bottom leaves pulled off to 

 allow the plant to make fresh roots in a top-dressing 

 of rich compost ; the plant to have a moderately 

 moist heat in the bed, and a moist atmosphere kept 

 up, and the plants situated as near the glass as pos- 

 sible. In pursuing this mode of culture, give the 

 plants, if free rooters, a fair portion of water, and if 

 the soil should become much exhausted, give liquid 

 manure occasionally, allowing the plant and sucker 

 or suckers to grow on until they are strong enough 

 to produce a good fruit ; then the plant being 

 tied up, turn it carefully out of the pot, and with a 

 sharp-ended prong reduce the ball as much as possi- 

 ble, without injuring the fresh roots ; then place the 

 plant having part of the ball attached as low in the 

 pot as you can, placing a small portion of compost in 

 the bottom of the pot, and leaving a little room at top 

 for top-dressing afterwards ; by this means the plant 

 will receive a partial check, and in making fresh 

 growth will generally show fruit. The success during 

 the following years will depend upon the health and 

 treatment of the mother-plant. If the suckers break 

 off from the plant near the pot, endeavour to give 

 strength by putting a circular case round the rim of 

 the pot, and by this means you can add compost to 

 the roots of the suckers, previously pulling off a few 

 of the bottom leaves. {Ibid. 1845, 70.) 



Mr. Errington, gardener at Oulton Park, whose 



