THE GREEN-HOUSE. 213 



for the reception of the seedlings in this stage of 

 their gTOvvth, it should be preferred ; because 

 they can not only be shaded when necessary, 

 but also defended from heavy rain, which is 

 sometimes hurtful. 



As the seedlings get large enough for potting, 

 the different kinds of soil and compost should 

 be previously prepared for the purpose. There 

 should be two sorts of fresh maiden loam : one 

 in its natural state, and another of a lighter de- 

 scription, or mixed with sand. Pure moor-earth 

 also of two sorts; that is, more or less mixed with 

 sand : which different qualities must be used as 

 respectively suitable for the different kinds of 

 plants to be potted. 

 I It is impossible, and unnecessary, perhaps, to 

 imitate the native soils of every plant admitted 

 into a green-house collection. The groups only 

 which chance to be geographically or locally 

 classed need be noticed. For instance, all the 

 j African heaths, as well as those of the same family 

 I from all parts of the world, together with south 

 African shrubs in general, succeed best in sandy 



