38 
A CONSIDERATION OF PLANTS GROWN IN POTS, 
real supporters of the profession, who out of pure love to the art, and the delight 
its pursuit is capable of affording, still continue to countenance and encourage to 
improvement, in spite of the little satisfaction individually afforded them. 
We imagine it will be readily conceded, that where gardening receives any 
attention beyond that necessarily connected with the production of fruit and vege- 
tables ; in short, where flowers are held in the least estimation, plants cultivated in 
pots engrosses a considerable share of attention. Indeed, too generally, where they 
constitute a prominent feature of a gardening establishment, and every means are 
at command that is necessary for their culture being carried to a high degree of 
perfection, we find no success at all proportionate to the advantages under which 
their existence is maintained. 
The circumstances which tend directly to the creation of a state of things so 
highly unpropitious are various, and in the majority of instances wholly overlooked. 
In proceeding to point out the principal errors which abound under the circum- 
stances we have alluded to, the most evident is in a greater number of plants being 
endeavoured to be grown than the accommodation at command justifies. In other 
words, the recognisable principle seems to consist in an attempt to obtain, and keep 
alive, as great a number of genera and species as possible, rather than the cultivation 
of any, or a convenient number well. Under the ancient system of management, 
which too extensively prevails as a modern one also, such a practice was considered 
highly creditable. Hence, the appearance of a plant-house presented an object 
formed by the plants collectively, instead of each specimen constituting a complete 
feature in itself, and representing one of a grand whole. 
Plants under such circumstances may be regarded as a collection of Botanical 
curiosities, permitted to exist merely on account of their scarceness. If they flower, 
it is a matter of chance, in place of the natural result of the course of treatment 
applied, or the simple accomplishment of an object, which is now sought and obtained 
according to various circumstances, with comparatively speaking as great certainty as 
mechanical effects, the result of known laws. 
In connection with the evil of keeping so great a number of plants, the tenacity 
with which cultivators adhere to old-fashioned methods of management, only because 
they are old, not heeding that they have long since been exploded, is effectual in 
preventing the least progress towards improvement. 
However much the culturist might formerly plume himself on the success which 
may have rewarded his efforts in accumulating a large collection, the rapid strides 
which distinguish the career of horticultural improvement in the present day, will 
not give him credit for possession only, it is necessary they be cultivated in addition 
to being possessed. 
Abstractedly considered, the motive that induces, in any one at all connected with 
the management of plants, the desire to bring together as great a number of species 
as possible, is very laudable, and was especially so when the art of cultivation was 
not better understood ; but the case is widely different now ; one well-grown speci- 
