128 On the Cultivation of the Balsam. 



used, it must be sifted, to render it as light as possible. In 

 the latter end of February, or the beginning of March, I sow 

 the seeds in a pot of this earth, which may be placed in any 

 frame that is at work, but artificial heat is absolutely neces- 

 sary. The frame is kept close, that the young plants may 

 be drawn up rather tall. As soon as they have got four 

 leaves > I transplant them singly into the smallest pots I can 

 procure, and in such a manner, that the stem of the plant 

 may be covered somewhat more than it was at first, and then 

 all are to be again placed in the frame. In a very short time, 

 if there be a sufficiency of heat, that part of the stem, which 

 is covered with the mould, puts forth fibres, by which nou- 

 rishment is conveyed more immediately to the principal 

 stem of the plant. As soon as the plants are a little ad- 

 vanced in growth, they are again removed, (if possible with- 

 out disturbing the earth,) into somewhat larger pots ; still 

 planting them rather deeper than before. The same process 

 is repeated five or six times, till, at last, they are removed 

 into their final pots. I have found it best to give them their 

 last removal after they have opened their first blossoms, as it 

 gives additional brilliancy and size to the flowers. By fol- 

 lowing this method, the plant acquires extraordinary vigour, 

 throwing out its branches from the surface of the mould, 

 exhibiting flowers nearly as large as a full blown rose, and a 

 stem, measuring two and sometimes three inches in circum- 

 ference. 



I believe the common practice is, to plant them directly 

 from the seed vessel into a pot of large dimensions, by which 

 means the fibres, after a short time, come into contact with 

 the sides of the pot, form a matted coat of roots round the 



