A CONSIDERATION OF PLANTS GROWN IN POTS. 
39 
men, although of a common species, is more deservedly esteemed than half-a-dozen 
inferiorly- managed plants, although they may have the advantage of rarity to recom- 
mend them. 
The view we have taken of the subject, and our ideas in reference to it, must 
not be looked upon as chimerical. If we have committed any error, it is in not 
having placed in a more unfavourable light the prevailing state of things existing in 
the management of plants. In no branch of the art, applying the assertion in a 
general sense, does more remain to be done. 
Where, in numerous instances, plants are managed in so highly creditable a man- 
ner, no peculiar advantages are enjoyed that are not equally within reach of similar 
places, in which the opposite effects are evident. And when inquiring into the 
origin of its continuation, we do not discover that any censure can be consistently 
shown to be merited from all absence of endeavour to keep pace with the age. In 
some cases we might be able, indeed, to point to a train of errors of the old school, 
cherished immediately from unjust contempt and ignorant disregard of everything 
bearing the stamp of novelty. 
In recommending what would effectually supersede a state of things so opposite 
to what ought to prevail, we cannot do better than impress upon all who seek to 
derive any satisfaction from devoting their attention to the culture and management 
of plants, and particularly those directly engaged in practically dealing with them, 
that the principal aim of their exertions, the point to which they should direct their 
whole energy, should be to cultivate a few plants well, in preference to maintaining 
a great number alive only. It is not sufficient that a plant can be induced to live 
and produce flowers, which is an object easily accomplished in a certain manner, by 
simply treating it as one of a whole. 
In commencing the cultivation of a plant, by choosing one young, either recently 
raised from seed, or struck from a cutting, it should be subjected to a course of 
treatment as a separate individual, having individual wants that must be ministered 
unto, according to their several requirements, and the circumstances under which 
it is being cultivated. And instead of being so treated as to induce a fructiferous 
condition as soon as possible, it should not be permitted to produce flowers till it 
arrives to a certain degree of maturity. There may be some deviation allowed in 
this respect, in case of a new species : and whatever are the conditions to which it 
is subjected, a sufficient space must be allowed it ; it should occupy a position so as 
to appear almost isolated. Nothing is more remarkable in the practice of the best 
London growers than the latitude their plants, intended to form specimens, enjoy in 
this respect. Under such circumstances, a plant is permitted to experience to the 
fullest extent the benefit of light and air, elements which are essentially necessary, 
as is universally known, to the healthy existence of plants, much more to superior 
cultivation. 
Independent of the greater amount of satisfaction unquestionably derivable 
from plants grown in a proper manner, in point of utility, there is every reason to 
