22 On the proper Treatment of the 



following notes will not be altogether without use to the cul- 

 tivators of the plant. 



When the stalks and foliage have decayed, in the autumn, 

 and left the root, like a well ripened potatoe, in a dormant 

 state, the pot in which it must be removed from the bark 

 bed to the top of the hot-house flue, at some distance from the 

 fire, all the warmth at this time necessary being merely what 

 is sufficient to keep the earth in the pot free from damp ; 

 and to prevent the waterings of the house, or other moisture, 

 falling on the earth in the pot, it should be covered, by in- 

 verting upon it another pot of the same size ; or if larger, it 

 will hang over its edges and more effectually exclude the wet. 

 If the roots are small, two or three may be placed together in 

 the same pot, whilst in their dormant state ; but if they are 

 thus shifted, the mould must be well shaken down in the pot, 

 in order to prevent the access of air to them ; the old mould 

 in which they grew must also be used ; for fresh earth, or 

 sand, would stimulate them to move too early. 



About the second week in March, the roots must be re- 

 planted, putting one or two, according to their size, into pots 

 measuring six inches over. The best compost for them is 

 fresh loam, mixed with an equal quantity of bog earth of 

 good quality : the loam should be good, not over rich with 

 dung, nor too heavy. The roots are to be covered about two 

 inches deep, and care must be taken not to break them, un- 

 less nature has shown where it is practicable to divide them 

 easily. The pots, when filled, must be plunged into the bark- 

 bed, where the heat should be equal to 95 degrees of Fahren- 

 heit's scale. Water is to be given very sparingly at first, 

 and though, as they grow, they will require a more liberal 



