32 



and then a quick shake, to rid it partially of the fine 

 particles, making use of the remainder in an open, 

 fibrous, friable condition, with rubblj charcoal applied 

 with it as the operation proceeds. Thus the whole 

 soil is an open porous mass of material, readily admit- 

 ting a free circulation of air and water. The fine 

 part of the soil, so much sought after formerly by 

 some cultivators, we entirely discard, making use of 

 nothing but open rubble, as above described ; indeed 

 it is a mass of healthy open drainage. We should 

 act upon the same principle precisely in preparing for 

 turning-out plants, in a proper structure. As to tie- 

 ing up the plants, on removal for potting, turning 

 out, or any other purpose, if they are of any size we 

 always tie, and make use also of a stake or two for 

 the purpose of keeping the plants steady, which is 

 regulated according to their size and weight. We 

 find it a considerable advantage, for expedition in 

 their removal, besides its securing them from the 

 danger of being broken, which it would be an impos- 

 sibility to prevent to some extent with such large- 

 sized, weighty, crisp-foliaged plants as we cultivate, 

 and which crack and break with almost the least 

 touch ; besides the great advantage the tieing system 

 has for removal through door-places at the potting- 

 bench, and the replacing them again, over the loose 

 system, is very considerable, and pretty generally 

 acted upon by cultivators. 



