66 
PELARGONIUMS. 
juices of the plants begins, and continues so long as the injudicious 
treatment is persisted in; and as for several weeks they are 
dependent entirely upon previous secretions, their roots being 
displaced or ruptured in the process of repotting, it follows that 
whatever moisture is then withdrawn, must tend to weaken 
present strength and prolong their anticipated starting. To 
remedy this enervation, water applied to the soil is worse than 
useless^ it cannot be taken up, in consequence of the previously 
named condition of the roots, and remains in the earth souring 
and chilling it, thus further retarding the re-establishment of the 
plants. Let the opposite course be adopted, and a quick resump¬ 
tion of progress will take place, and by the time the roots have 
fairly entered the new soil, a great advance will be observable; 
then we may again allow them plenty of air, increasing the 
quantity as we get further into the season. As soon as a perfect 
recovery from shifting is established, and new shoots are developed 
with vigour, the course of training and stopping must commence ; 
each branch must be tied out, so that it and all others may have 
an equal share of light, at the same time a circular outline may 
be given to the entire number ; at the first stopping, the vigour 
of the several branches must be taken into account: were they 
all reduced at the same time and in equal proportion, the strongest 
would still maintain their advantage ; but as the object is to 
equalize the vigour of the plant, the leading shoots should be 
stopped (by taking out the terminal bud) a week or so before the 
smaller ones ; and by reducing them but slightly, several eyes or 
buds may be expected to start on each, and thus by dividing the 
excessive strength on that particular part, it is brought down to 
the average; while the weaker portions, having the chance to 
draw more sap in consequence of being left longer, and afterwards 
stopped to a single bud, will in all probability throw out a 
branch at least equal in strength to the other multiplied portions. 
During the emission of these new branches, the plants must 
be frequently turned round on the stage, that each side may be 
equally presented to the light, and when all have grown three or 
four joints, the second stopping should be done; as it is not 
likely the season will permit a repetition of this course, we have 
now to look forward to its effects on the production of flowers, 
and that these may be produced together on all parts of the plant. 
