THE NEW SYSTEM OF POTTING. 
Ill 
and to attempt an opposite course would not only endanger the process, but tend 
to frustrate the principal objects of cultivation. 
Perhaps the most obvious difficulty in adopting the system now recommended 
will be found in the appropriate application of large proportions of soil in the 
process of potting ; a difficulty which at first sight may appear really insurmount- 
able to those who are but partially acquainted with the systematic modes employed 
by experienced cultivators. Before alluding to the mechanical and other operations, 
the principles upon which they are founded will be stated. 
The admirable contrivances involved in vegetable organization may properly be 
considered under two aspects ;— first, in the adaptation of the general properties 
and affinities of those elementary substances which enter into the vegetable system ; 
and secondly, in the adaptation of the constituent organs of plants one to another, 
so as to educe from those elementary principles the intended result. 
The principle involved in the application of large proportions of materials in the 
process of potting may be defined as follows : — All powers and qualities, whether 
mechanical or chemical, are singly enhanced by the accumulation of numbers ; that 
is to say, each part or parcel of the mass is raised to a higher value or intensity, 
when it forms one of a heap, than when left to itself; and the more complete and 
immediate is the correspondence of the parts, one with another, the more will this 
enhancement of the object (acted upon) and the combined force be accelerated towards 
its ultimate effect." 
In presenting this comprehensive principle in support of the succeeding remarks, 
it is not urged as alone applicable to the practical operation in favour of which it 
is now adduced, but also applicable to modes of culture, however modified in their 
combination of quantities or qualities : it remains as certain that the law is the 
same, although the effects may be varied by the difference of the conditions under 
which it operates. 
That the adoption of a superior practice in cultivation will, on the part of many, 
be attended with difficulties, and much risk, may naturally be anticipated. 
Its superiority may be admitted, and perceived as consistent with reason and 
sound theory ; but the means adequate to its successful application will, in many 
instances, be found inefficient, both in regard to convenient structures and appro- 
priate materials. A superior professional knowledge will be unavailable, apart 
from the requisitions now named. 
As the processes of potting need not be considered as generally restricted to 
the application of soils in those proportions stated in a previous paper ; nor yet of 
absolute importance to the attainment of fine growth ; it may be necessary 
to advert to those precautions considered essential to success in cultivation 
generally. 
1st. A primary adaptation of the soil is of indispensable value as a preliminary 
means. It is probably to the facilities possessed by some cultivators more than 
others, for obtaining a suitable material, that the development of the heavy mode 
