ACHIMENES. 
203 
tised with seeds. This is not right, these roots when planted 
were much longer before they could be excited to grow than 
was proper, and several of them rotted entirely, owing to the 
sudden change of situation and great accumulation of moisture. 
When the plants cease to grow, water should be gradually with¬ 
held, until the earth about them is perfectly dry; they should then 
be placed on an elevated shelf in a light part of the greenhouse 
free from damp ; they should be allowed so to remain till the fol¬ 
lowing spring, taking care in the meantime that no occasional 
drip falls into them; if any danger is apprehended from such 
causes, the pots should be placed on their sides, but not covered 
with another as is sometimes recommended, as in this case the 
air about them becomes confined, and mouldiness ensues. 
In the following spring about the end of February, the roots 
should be shaken from the earth and separated ; if a great in¬ 
crease is desired they may be planted singly, or if a sufficient 
quantity is already obtained, three or four may be'placed in 
each pot. The soil should be a mixture of well-decayed leaf- 
mould, and peat or bog mould, and a small proportion of fine 
sand and light turfy loam ; these several soils should be well 
mixed together, and the coarser lumps broken with the hand; 
but it is better not sieved unless very rough indeed. The pots 
used for the first potting should be those generally called 48s 
if three roots are placed in each; if planted separately, something 
smaller may be used; they should be perfectly clean and dry, 
or the peaty soil soon adheres to them and forms an obstruction 
to the passage of the water: this is one very fertile cause of 
damping among plants. Efficient drainage must also be secured : 
the best method for these plants is to place several small pieces 
of sherds loosely over the bottom of the pot, and over them a 
piece of sphagnum or moss; this allows a complete passage for 
the water, and afterwards the fibrous roots of the plants fasten 
among it and so derive much nourishment, it also accelerates 
their removal when repotted. When the plants have attained 
about two inches growth, they should be removed into larger 
pots proportionate to their strength. It should be particularly 
observed during the whole period of growth that the too fre¬ 
quent application of water is injurious; a rather shaded situa¬ 
tion should be chosen for them, which will preclude the neces- 
