29 



CHAPTER II. 



SECTION I. 



H aving in the preceding chapter dwelt pretty 

 largely on the different methods of propaga- 

 tion, I shall now endeavour to explain my col- 

 lected ideas on the general treatment and cul- 

 tivation of tropical plants ; to attain a perfec- 

 tion in which, as far as may be, the principal 

 objects to which one should direct his attention, 

 are, assiduity in keeping up the stock by pro- 

 pagation ; a careful nicety in potting, and shift- 

 ing in the proper season : a regularity in water- 

 ing when requisite : a thorough knowledge of 

 the temperature necessary to be kept in the 

 house : and a steady attention to the cleanliness, 

 and habits of the plants in general : objects for 

 which ample directions will be found in the 

 following pages. 



The business of shifting, (as it is termed by 

 gardeners,) or refreshing the roots of plants 

 with earth properly prepared for that purpose, 

 and transplanting them into larger pots than 

 they before occupied, is one of the most neces- 



