CULTURAL HINTS. 
185 
irface, but unless some care be taken to give a horizontal direction to them, as 
ell as not to sink the ball, this end will not be accomplished. At the spring 
otting, then, whilst the plant is still in a sub-dormant state, as many of the roots 
li can be disentangled should be loosened and spread near the surface, pruning 
ick some of the most vigorous lower ones to cause the extrusion of fresh rootlets. 
; the mass is permitted to retain the form in which it has been moulded in the 
rmer pot, the most vigorous will push at once to the bottom, and penetrate 
yond it, whilst the upper portion of the soil is thereby left devoid of roots, and 
nsequently in no wise contributes to the nourishment of the plant. Thus the 
iinciple acquires a far greater degree of importance than could attach to it merely 
i)m the circumstance which has provoked its consideration ; for it is intimately 
terwoven with one of the most essential conditions in pot culture. 
It is true there are some seeming exceptions : the Primula sinensis and the 
rbaceous Calceolarias require to have the stem sunk deeper at each succeeding 
tting. These plants, however, gradually lose the lower part of the underground 
I ;m, together with the roots which proceed from it, as the oldest leaves decay ; 
lilst fresh roots are progressively emitted from the portion of the stem next 
; ove, as new leaves are developed at the top. Hence there is a constant decay 
i d extension going forward simultaneously ; which would lead us to suppose (in 
1 3 case of the Primrose at least) that the decaying roots have their origin in 
i|')se leaves which die about the same time. To promote the development of 
ijves we must encourage new roots to protrude from the higher parts of the 
j m by sinking it to the base of the remaining leaves, and cutting away the old 
i|rt and lifeless part at the bottom. This will keep the plant steady in its place, 
di constantly furnished with vigorous active roots near the surface as well as in 
K) bottom of the pot. A better supply of healthy roots near the top of the pot 
tjl also be produced in the Garden Balsam, by burying a portion of the stem 
^|;enever it requires a larger pot. The effect, therefore, is the same with such 
I,nts as the contrary procedure is with the majority of shrubs. 
Another means of preventing the roots from exceeding the limits allotted to 
rfm, will be found in a properly prepared flooring for placing the pots upon. 
1 is is, in fact, the principal means of obviating the evil ; for in spite of all the 
I cautions that can be taken in potting, it is evident that, when a multitude of 
r ts have been formed, and fill the pot, they will extend beyond it in search of 
0 er aliment, in proportion to the suitableness of the material into which they 
p nge on emerging from it. If, as is frequently the case, a light earth, ashes, or 
a ' substance into which roots can easily penetrate and derive nourishment from, 
liji immediately beneath the pot, a degree of luxuriant growth will be induced, 
tl t to the unpractised culturist may appear to be symptomatic of health and good 
Aagement, but which in reality is an evidence of the converse, and a forerunner of 
d|ase and unfruitfulness. The mischief, moreover, is more extensive in hard- 
^ )ded plants than in those of softer parts, although the latter appear to acquire 
VOL. XII. — NO. CXL. 
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