THE PRESERVATION OF HALF-HARDY PLANTS. 
211 
planted in shallow pots, deeper than what are called " flats," but shallower than 
the pots ordinarily used. They ought not to be more than from four to five inches 
across, as larger ones would endanger the cuttings that happen to be in the middle. 
After carefully providing them with ample drainage, they must be filled with a 
very light compost of sandy loam and heath-mould ; the last preponderating, and 
being assisted by the addition of some white sand. It is indispensable that the 
soil be thus open ; as whatever retains water too freely will be sure to destroy the 
plants. Even a few small pieces of broken sandstone mixed with the earth will 
be extremely serviceable. 
Let the cuttings be placed an inch and a half or two inches apart, according 
to their size and nature, and be very sparingly watered after being inserted. It is 
injudicious to give much water to newly-planted cuttings, particularly when the 
soil itself is moist. If they are to be struck in September, they may be placed in 
a cold frame, which can be kept closed and shaded. The natural heat of the sun 
will soon enable them to form roots. In the event, however, of their having to be 
raised after this appears in print, they can be assisted with a very moderate 
bottom-heat. Any nearly exhausted pit or hotbed will be sufficient ; for the most 
trifling aid is all that is desirable. When it is seen, by their progress, that they 
have developed roots, they should be forthwith transferred to a colder frame, and 
hardened, in every practicable way, before winter arrives. Water must now be 
administered cautiously, and so as not to incite them to further growth. And if the 
young shoots they have made are too long or too weak, and there is thought to be 
time enough for the wood to heal ere the commencement of severe weather, they 
should by all means be stopped. Decaying leaves, and the slightest symptoms of 
mouldiness, must be constantly attended to and removed ; because, by being so 
close to each other, the young plants are exceedingly liable to be injured, if 
neglected. 
Towards the middle or end of March, or the beginning of April, (the precise 
time being determined by the forwardness of the season,) the plants can be taken 
from the cutting pots, and potted separately into smaller ones. "Room will not, at 
this period, be of so much moment, as it will not involve the daily coverings, &c, 
so needful in winter. The plants cannot be kept too cold, if they are not frozen. 
Some persons, we believe, retain the plants in the cutting-pots almost or quite up 
to the time of transplantation. Where space cannot possibly be procured for 
standing them when potted, the practice may be tolerated. The stock must, 
however, suffer greatly, and will be a far longer time ere it makes any display in 
the borders. 
In the winter preservation of tender plants, the choice and preparation of 
frames or pits is of some importance. A dry position, elevated above the 
surrounding level, is essential ; and the yard or garden appropriated to frames 
ought to be particularly open, airy, and well-drained. For the convenience of 
making hotbeds beneath or around them, frames are often placed in a hole or exca- 
vation below the general surface, and are thus perpetually damp, and surrounded 
