The formation of the root determines the nature of the material in which it will best grow. Nature has constructed roots in such a variety of ways, adapting one to firm substances, another to soft, some to moist and others to dry material. If we look at our native forests, where nature controls the whole, we see trees always finding the position and soil most suitable for them; so that the nature of the soil can be known by the variety of tree produced.

Let us take, for example, the planting of soft and hard Maples. No one appears to think that there is any necessity for different positions for them, although the one is always found on flat table land, and the other on high dry land; the one perishes for want of sufficiency of moisture for the roots, whilst the other cankers and becomes diseased from an over abundance of it. They both may live and grow, but, if you notice, you will see that those in suitable positions will take the lead. In flat land the soft Maple is far ahead of any hard that may have been planted, and the reverse on the high land. The soft Maple will sometimes struggle along for years on high ground whilst the hard is growing most luxuriantly in just the same situation.

I make it a point in tree planting to set each variety where it will succeed best, and to see that the roots are plentiful, with a good clean healthy stem. I care nothing about the top, because, if I get things as they ought to be, not as a huge cutting, I will soon give you a good top and a finer tree than is generally had when the top is left on.

The same laws apply to indoor plants as to outside ones.

Men will inquire sometimes to what country the plant belongs; if from a tropical one they apply strong heat, neglecting moisture in the air, but never fail to give plenty of water at the root, and then they wonder why they don't succeed. We should remember that in tropical countries, mountain and swamp, high land and flat abound, as in more temperate countries. But the cause of much unsuccessful cultivation of plants, I do not hesitate to say, is imperfect drainage. A recommendation to drain well is always affixed to instructions given about plant culture, and it cannot be too strongly urged. Men have been found to argue that this great care about careful drainage is only a secondary consideration. Perhaps it may be, in so far as the cultivation of small plants for market is concerned, when only very small pots are used, with a clear sky above. But in less favored countries, such as the British Islands, drainage is a necessity in the earlier stages of growth. Perfect drainage hurts nothing, but imperfect does; and with all the warnings given about this, more attention is still needed before we see plants in general health.

It would be better if persons handling plants were more observant of their natural requirements based on the characters of roots.

There is no doubt but that the great element in the growth of plants is sufficient moisture for their wants, and no more. Nature either sows or plants where proper degrees of moisture and heat are found. What a diversity in this may be noticed in seeds! One sort requiring months, even years to germinate, others will do so in a few hours. The inexperienced often lose many seeds for the want of knowledge of this. There are roots that must be continually submerged in water, and those that must be suspended in the air. A knowledge of the nature of roots will be found of great benefit to plant cultivators.