for nine-tenths of the care of a plant, when confined 
in a pot, arises from the continual necessity of giving 
it fresh supplies of water. So small a quantity of 
earth, as is contained in pots, which generally ad- 
mit of rapid evaporation of moisture through their 
substance, subjects plants to a perpetual variation of 
the quantity of water about their roots : they are 
subjected to a deluge or a drought; and quickly 
betray irregular superintendence. 
At the first glance, it may reasonably enough be 
conceived, that a remedy should be sought in the 
use of pots that would not admit of ready evapora- 
tion. These have been tried. The effect of using 
impervious pots, through which the water cannot 
be lost, is found, in practice, to be more destructive 
to plants than even some neglect in watering them. 
The water being stagnated, lichens are quickly pro- 
duced on the surface of the soil, and the plants 
become diseased and die. Some species of plants, 
but these seem to be few, bear such treatment al- 
most with impunity ; experience, however, indicates 
that none flourish under such management, in the 
same degree as when planted in porous pots, and 
receiving due attention. Soft or mildly-burnt pots, 
are best suited to pot culture, provided that proper 
attention be given to watering. 
The propagation of Kalosanthes, and of Crassula 
also, is as simple as their culture. Cuttings of them, 
laid by for a few days to dry the wound, strike root 
very readily, and fresh sandy loam, mixed with a 
little peat, we have found to be a suitable compost 
without brick or lime rubbish. It is of importance 
that the pots be thoroughly drained. 
