36 RUDIMENTS OF THE NATURAL SYSTEM OF BOTANY. 
different plants of the same species, we can always assign this to some congenial or 
improper system of shifting them. Such, then, is our excuse for so elaborate an 
exposition of this isolated but incalculably influential process. 
From the time at which the transference thus minutely detailed is achieved, to 
the protrusion of flower-buds by the main shoots, the superintendence to be observed 
is of a nearly uniform description. Further potting, the necessity for which will 
be determined by the manifestly straitened condition of the roots, can be conducted 
exactly as before. The only difference in its operation, is the less strict, and yet 
more gentle, rejection of the extreme outer coat of soil, as this is always, though 
imperceptibly, impregnated with the excretions of the spongioles so largely collected 
in that locality. 
By a thoughtful remembrance of the native clime of Pelargonia, and a reference 
to the fact, recently demonstrated, that at the Cape of Good Hope solar light is 
fully twice as intense as in England, it will be perceived that these plants enjoy 
naturally a far larger quantum of this refined element than we can by any method 
afford them. The defalcation in this respect, ought, consequently, to be reduced 
to the lowest possible proportion. Light is to them, emphatically, the most vital 
constituent of the atmosphere ; and one, the effects of whose existence or lack, are 
most clearly conspicuous. There is scarcely a collection in Britain that does not 
suffer in some way for its insufficiency ; this being mainly owing to an unfounded 
objection to keeping them in frames. 
RUDIMENTS OF THE NATURAL SYSTEM OF BOTANY. 
NO. II. 
The study of botany is, without question, productive of purer pleasure than 
that of any of the more occult sciences, or even those which have locomotive living 
beings for their basis. It is in this field that the more polished of mankind, and 
such as feel the love of Nature most strongly pervading their hearts, especially 
delight to divert themselves. The interminable variety of its objects, the distin- 
guished beauty with which many of them are invested, and their perfect passive- 
ness to our control, present three distinct features that are, of all others, most 
calculated to excite our attachment, but the union of which may be sought in 
vain elsewhere. 
There exists, however, a latent prejudice in most minds to the engaging in 
any investigation of botanical systems. They are too abstract, and therefore 
wearisome, it is generally said, to induce that close attention, without which 
they could never be retentively grasped by the understanding. An obvious 
want of familiar or interesting illustrations is continually experienced. Throughout 
all instructions in difficult studies, special prominence should be given to their 
