PREPARING POTS AND SOIL. 



roots ought to be distributed evenly throughout the soil, much as shown in the illus- 

 tration, by working the plant up and down as fine soil is added, keeping the collar (e), 

 only slightly below the soil. This should be pressed down rather firmly, leaving 

 adequate space from the surface to the pot's rim for watering. Plants of a leafy character, 

 of which the well-known marantas may be given as an instance, ought also to be 

 shaken nearly clear of soil just when they are on the point of pushing fresh growths 

 from the root-stock, repotting much as advised in the case of those of a shrubby 

 nature. In every case when the roots are evenly and thinly distributed throughout 

 the soil, they quickly become established. The wounds made by pruning with a sharp 

 knife soon heal and produce root-fibres innumerable in a few days. 



It is important that the pots used in all cases be clean and well drained. If quite 

 new first soak them for twenty minutes in a tub of water, as new pots are liable to 

 absorb moisture unduly from the fresh soil ; the pots must not be used in a wet state. 

 It is with the larger-sized pots that the most pains should be taken in draining. One 

 large convex crock should be inverted over the drainage hole, on this placing an even, 

 well-arranged layer of medium-sized potsherds, finishing with a few smaller ones. 

 If good moss can be procured, distribute a thin layer of this over the crocks ; fibre from 

 which soil is shaken from turves, and half-decayed leaves, are also used. Nearly 

 rotten manure should be avoided, as also should raw broken bones for drainage. Over 

 the drainage, distribute a little of the roughest of the compost, just covering this with 

 fine soil, afterwards proceeding as above advised. 



As regards the soil used no particular mixture can be considered right for all kinds 

 of stove plants, any more than for occupants of greenhouses. What each requires will be 

 duly set forth as the different kinds are treated upon, but one rule holds good in all cases : 

 never employ soil much lower in temperature than the house in which the plants to 

 be repotted are growing. It would, if used, have a most chilling effect on the roots. 

 "Warming soil over boilers or against hot-water pipes is a slow method, and not the best 

 generally available, as it dries it too much, also making it crumble more than desirable. 

 Hot bricks plunged in a heap of soil quickly warm it through without unduly drying 

 it, and that is by far the best method. The soil ought to be just dry enough to admit of 

 its being packed about the roots firmly, yet not so dry as to require watering the same 

 day as used. Very wet soil must also be avoided. Eepotted stove plants should 

 be returned to brisk heat and a moist atmosphere, deferring watering for a few days. 



During February or March some of the smaller unpruned, strong-growing plants 



