156 



the cutting's to push through it freely, as soon 

 as formed, to that which they more immedi- 

 ately like to grow and flourish in, a stratum of 

 which is generally put in the bottom of the pot. 



From its strength it seems more adapted to 

 arborescent plants in general, which have pow- 

 erful roots, that are seldom able to support 

 themselves in lighter soils, more especially in 

 dry seasons ; while from its purity and sweet- 

 ness, it may be said to give additional flavour 

 to the most delicate fruits. 



The word Peat, is generally understood to 

 mean common bog earth ; however, that which 

 may literally be termed bog, is by no means 

 proper for our purpose, on account of its wet 

 coagulating nature, and tendency thereby to rot 

 the roots of the plants ; at least if peat is to be 

 taken from these situations, the very surface 

 only should be chosen, as that is found to con- 

 tain a greater portion of the fine, drying, open- 

 ing kind of sand, so necessary to this species of 

 soil. 



The" places where I would recommend to 

 look for the proper peat, are those dry heathy 

 commons, where it seems to form a medium 

 between bog earth and sand, it is not un- 

 frequently found forming a mere skin, over a 

 bed of pure sand, or gravel. The turf or sod, 

 cut about four or six inches deep, is always the 

 best for use, as it is in general the lightest, and 



