CULTIVATION. 
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which, being considerably greater than the depth, 
gives a good extent of surface, and renders a deep 
drainage unnecessary. Such a kind of pot, of course, 
is most suitable for all species of decumbent or 
creeping habit, and those producing rapidly a great 
number of offsets. 
The best time for repotting (or shifting, as it is 
termed) Ferns, more especially those of the terrestrial 
division, is at the end of February, or during March, 
as soon after that time they commence growth ; but 
any time of the year, except winter, will suit them. 
The operation of potting is a matter of little difficulty, 
nor are the necessary utensils or materials very varied — 
a firm potting-bench, several different sizes broad- 
pointed firming-sticks, and a garden trowel. It is 
also necessary to have a few extra pots of different sizes, 
of both the deep upright and shallow flat kinds, also- 
a quantity of material for drainage, which may consist 
of broken soft brick or hard knobs of old mortar ; but 
for general purposes, potsherds, broken into different 
sizes, are most commonly used, and well known by 
the name of “ crocks.” The removal of the plant, 
with its ball of soil and roots, is readily effected by 
spreading the left hand over the surface of the soil, 
allowing the plant, when not too large, to come 
between the fingers ; then, by inverting the plant and 
pot, and giving the rim of the pot a gentle but sharp 
tap with the right hand on the edge of the board ; if 
the roots are in a healthy state, the ball will slip 
easily out of the pot. In all cases, a thorough drainage 
is indispensable, and to ensure this, the draining 
material should be of two sizes, the larger size 
at the bottom, with a concave large crock over 
