24 NATIVE FLOWERS OF VICTORIA. 
through the soil, they may be shaded with leafy twigs 
and kept moist. If possible, better results will be 
obtained by potting up the small seedlings when they 
have four or five leaves in three- or four-inch pots, 
and then managed in the same way as suggested for 
the young plants collected in the bush. It should, 
however, be noted that some plants, notably some of 
the Habeas, will not transplant, and these should be 
allowed to remain where the seed was planted. 
In planting out permanently the young plants 
should have the soil well firmed around the roots, and 
then watered. It is essential that the soil should be 
well drained, and that it shall be in such a condition 
that it shall never at any time be too wet. 
The question of suitable soils is one that requires 
consideration. If plants are found naturally grow- 
ing in a rich alluvial, or a wet boggy, or a harsh dry 
sandy soil, then it is only fair to the plant to give it 
somewhat similar conditions in the garden. But if 
plants are found growing under varying soil condi- 
tions, then this is a matter that does not call for spe- 
cial care. The adaptability of our plants is well 
known, and with good care almost any soil will suit 
to grow them in. What is more important than a 
suitable soil for native plants, is suitable soil condi- 
tions. First, good drainage is essential, for the 
majority of our plants are not accustomed to an excess 
of soil water, and a fairly dry sweet soil is one of 
their special requirements. Second, the strict rule 
should be — neither animal nor chemical manure 
should be given. An occasional top-dressing with 
fresh soil, free from manures, with perhaps a little 
