37 
A CONSIDERATION OF PLANTS GROWN IN POTS. 
If the heading of our article, taken in its literal sense, is understood to convey 
an adequate idea of the importance of the subject upon which we are about to write, 
a very inadequate estimate of the extent of consequence involved in its examination 
will be taken. 
After so much has been written upon the cultivation of plants, and the great 
improvement that has taken place, and is continually evidenced in their manage- 
ment, it may be thought almost superfluous in us to address ourselves to the subject. 
It is not in the present instance our intention to examine the merits of any parti, 
cular method of culture, or recommend a special mode of treatment ; our object is 
to bring under review various evils, that are entirely out of the reach of any plans of 
cultivation abstractedly, however great their merits. 
In instituting an inquiry as to whence has originated the causes that have led 
to the superior state of things as regards the cultivation of plants, that in many 
instances is now so universally admitted to exist, we cannot hide from ourselves the 
fact that what has been repeatedly advanced in our pages, in conjunction with other 
portions of the horticultural press, has been instrumental in laying the foundation 
of a system upon which a superstructure of so gratifying a style has been gradually 
rising, and is preparing to exhibit to view its more ample and imposing features. 
Unfortunately, although the tide of improvement may be said to have fairly set 
in, its onward course meets with obstacles so numerous and formidable in their 
nature, that the channel in which it has hitherto flown is, comparatively speaking, 
exceedingly circumscribed. Its course has at present in great part been confined to 
where competition — that great and exceedingly useful stimulant to exertion — has 
exercised its healthy influence. And here we may be permitted to allude to the bene- 
fits conferred on horticultural science in general, and especially to the cultivation of 
plants in particular, by the magnificent floral fetes of the metropolis and elsewhere, 
but more directly those of the capital, which in its summer season afford so high 
and gratifying a treat. The proceedings of the Societies who have established com- 
petition on so extensive a scale, are not productive of more usefulness in rewarding 
merit by their prizes, than in being instrumental in bringing into notice the result 
of successful cultivation ; thereby showing what may be done with plants, and hold- 
ing up the same to imitation. 
Beyond the pale of the influence created by the excited competition of the 
metropolis, and in establishments of the country, which are deservedly noted for the 
superior style in which horticultural practice is carried out, little or no effort, as 
indicating an advance in the right direction, is at all apparent. This is a fact the 
more to be regretted, from its subjecting to an experience of the unsatisfactory state 
of things arising from such a source, those who least deserve to be affected by it — the 
