One-Shift System in potting, is thus described by Mr. Ayres: - "The distinguishing difference of this system is, that instead of taking a plant through all the different-sized pots, from a thumb to a twenty-four or sixteen, or any other size that it may remain in permanently, it is removed to the permanent pot at once, or at any rate to one very considerably larger than is the general custom; thus in purchasing small specimens of new plants, they may be placed at once in a twenty-four, sixteen, or twelve-sized pot, in which they will remain for four or five years.

"The principal thing to attend to in this system will be to have the pots thoroughly drained; for if water stagnates in such a mass of soil, all hope of success will be at end. In growing specimen plants, it is a good plan to drain the soil with an inverted pot, taking great care to prevent the soil from falling among the drainage by covering it securely with moss. Porous stones of various sizes, in considerable quantities, sticks in a half-decomposed state, and even charcoal for some plants, have been used with satisfactory results.

"Another very important point to be attended to in this system of potting is, to use the soil as rough as possible. Plants potted in this way will not require so much attention as those potted in the usual manner; because one watering will serve them for several days, whereas in small pots they would require constant attention." - Gardener's Chron.

There is no doubt that this system much abridges the gardener's labour, and there is an equal certainty that by it large specimens may be rapidly obtained; but as, with due care, magnificent specimens may be grown in small pots, annually increased in size when the plants are shifted, the general adoption of the one shift system will never be general, accompanied as it is by such a great sacrifice of space in the stove and green-house.