214 
ON THE CULTURE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 
by a few weeks' application of this practice. "We witnessed a marked instance of 
its utility in the nursery of Mr. Knight in the present year on a plant of Anthro- 
cercis mscosa. When planted out, the specimen was in an apparently healthy 
condition, and certainly as luxuriant as the generality of other plants of the same 
species. After it had been in the open ground a short time, it was again potted, 
and through the autumnal months it ha,s been one of the most beautiful objects of 
the kind we ever remember to have seen. Its large, verdant, and luxuriant foliage, 
but more especially its immense flowers, which were nearly double the usual size, 
contrasted most strikingly with the appearance of those which had not been thus 
treated. 
This case is mentioned, not by any means as an isolated one, for we could adduce 
proofs innumerable in support of the practice, but because the effects produced were 
upon a healthy plant, and were so speedily manifested, and so clearly attributable 
to the change of situation and circumstances. In sickly plants, the change is 
unquestionably much more marked, but we wish to show the propriety of applying 
the system to such plants as, from their appearance, do not seem to require it. 
The utility of this mode of treatment being thus demonstrated from fact, it 
remains to state the method of carrying it into effect ; and although this appears 
exceedingly simple, there are certain principles to be considered in adopting it, 
which, if overlooked, would lessen, if not completely nullify, its advantages. The 
period of the year at which the plants should thus be removed, is of great import- 
ance. The month of June or July is the earliest period at which this operation 
should be attempted, as these plants are usually extremely tender at this season, 
and the slightest frost would probably destroy them. The state of the weather, 
and the time of the day at which they are planted, should not be overlooked. A 
dull, cloudy atmosphere will be highly advantageous, and the evening should always 
be chosen for the purpose, because the plants will not then be exposed to the action 
of the sun immediately after planting. For several days subsequent to their removal, 
they will require some slight degree of shading, and they must be very gradually 
exposed to the unreserved influences of the atmosphere, otherwise they will be 
severely injured. 
The nature of the soil in which they are planted should likewise be a paramount 
consideration. Whatever may be the habits of the plants, they should always be 
placed in a more retentive soil than they were allowed when in jDots, as no super- 
fluity of moisture need be feared at this season, but rather the contrary. If the 
compost is of a slightly adhesive nature, little or no water will be required ; but 
when the weather is particularly dry, it will be advisable to syringe the plants 
occasionally and freely in the evening of the day. 
The advantages of planting them in an adhesive soil will be fully experienced 
when they are required to be removed for potting, as they may then be taken up 
without injuring the roots, a circumstance which is particularly desirable, and to 
effect which much care should be bestowed. They will of course require larger 
