THE FLORIST. 
113 
injurious, if not fatal, except the ball has been rendered impervious to 
water by previous defective potting. I am surprised that such advice 
should be given for general adoption in articles otherwise containing 
much useful information. To return from this digression : 
ITe plant being placed in the proper position on the foundation of 
rough compost, there is not sufficient room between the ball and 
sides of the pot to insert a finger. Therefore, with the flat wooden 
label before described, lightly, but closely, work down the required 
quantity of soil, striking the bottom of the pot smartly a few times 
on the board, and finish off neatly and smoothly on the surface with 
a little sifted compost, watering and shading as before stated. One 
inch or more must be left to receive water. The same process and 
compost are suitable for Ejtacrises; their being of ranker growth 
upwards and downwards makes them require larger shifts, say an 
increase in the size of the pot of from three to four inches in 
diameter. 
I have dwelt upon the operation of potting with more minute¬ 
ness than may seem necessary, but I would direct attention to the 
fact that we cannot with impunity break up the ball and cut back 
the roots of this tribe of plants, hence the necessity of more than 
ordinary care in the selection of materials, and in properly applying 
them : one careless potting may endanger, if not destroy, a valuable 
specimen. Another and most cogent reason may be advanced for 
careful potting. It is admitted by all that the longevity of a heath 
greatly depends upon its being “ well begun.” What means “ well 
begun?” I conceive it to be, when a plant w’hose several shiftings 
in its early stages have been so ordered that the ball round the neck 
of the plant shall never hold water, and thereby become sour. That 
desideratum can alone be gained by a liberal proportion of sand in 
the compost, and in each succeeding shift by using it rougher and 
rougher. Many heath cultivators recommend that the plant should 
stand high, in order that the water may percolate more freely down 
the sides ; I maintain that this is not desirable, for reasons I may 
at a future time point out. The surface of the ball should be per¬ 
fectly level, and porous throughout its extent. It has also been 
asserted by some experienced heath growers, that certain species 
thrive better in a closer and more adhesive soil. I must also dissent 
from this doctrine. 1 believe there are no reasonable grounds for 
such an assumption. 
Such is the method I have pursued for the last three or four years 
with perfect success, having previously tested all sorts of plans, and 
used all kinds of compost, mixed in eveiy conceivable way, with no 
good results. My friend, Mr. James Veitch of Exeter, treats his 
plants in the same manner, whose Ericas, for vigour, profusion of 
flower, and general health, will vie, in proportion to their extent, 
with any collection in England. W. H. Story. 
Whilehill, \bth April, 1848. 
