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own practice, white sand, where it could be obtained, has been 
invariably employed, and most successfully. 
When we reflect that dampness is the chief annoyance to cut- 
tings, of almost every description, planted under hand-glasses, 
it seems reasonable that every propagator should strenuously 
guard against it; to effect which, nothing is likely to be devi- 
sed so admirably calculated to discharge w et and prevent reten- 
tion of moisture, as sand alone ; and this in preference to every 
other soil or compost we know of. Barren and sterile as sand 
may appear to be, we know of no article of greater utility in the 
propagation and culture, not only of shrubby plants, but also 
of the more choice and delicate herbaceous plants ; invariably 
preferring that which is most fine and soft, but which is only to 
be obtained in particular situations. We are not aware how 
far sand, of any particular description, is in itself possessed of 
vegetative properties ; but of this we are fully assured, from 
numerous and repeated experiments, that there are few soils, 
with which it cannot be intermixed to the greatest advantage, 
and in various other branches of horticulture, as well as in the 
propagation of plants and flowers ; it being admirably adapted 
from its opening nature, to open the pores of heavier, more 
close, and adhesive soils ; thereby expanding the entire mass 
of compost, and rendering it porous, and open to the free ad- 
mission and full expansion of the delicately fine thread-like 
roots of j)lants and flowers; and, in this, we have most satis- 
factorily witnessed and experienced its singular and superior 
efficacy. We have known, in various cases, plants to have 
been placed in soils most opposite and ungenial to their natures, 
and thereby early inclining to decay; but which have been 
speedily restored to their original v igour by a proper and timely 
application of white sand. 
Sand, like many other articles, will be found a local rather 
than a general production throughout the kingdom. In its 
colour and softness it most materially varies; and is more or 
less favourable to our present purpose. That, however, which 
has been invariably found to surpass all others, for general 
and particular purposes iu horticulture is a peculiarly soft and 
white sand, of such unusual smoothness, that it is considered as 
useless for certain domestic purposes, scouering, &c. ; and, in 
point of fineness, is nearly equal to emery flour. The finer the 
