390 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



like to grow in pots. If so, take them up with as little disturbance as possible, 

 put in good soil, and treat as previously directed. 



HOT WATER FOR PLANTS. 



Mrs. C. W. Garfield uses a great deal of hot water upon her window plants ; 

 says it is good in sickness or in health, and while discussingthe absurdity of the 

 notion we were politely handed an article from a correspondent of a French 

 horticultural journal. 



He says when ill-health ensues from acid substances contained or generated 

 in the soil, and this is absorbed by the roots, it acts as a poison. The small 

 roots wither and cease their action, consequently the upper and younger shoots 

 of the plant turn yellow, and the spots with which the leaves are covered indi- 

 cate their morbid state. In such cases the usual remedy is to transplant into 

 fresh soil, clean the pots carefully, secure good drainage, and often with the best 

 results. But the experience of several years has proved, with him, the unfail- 

 ing efficacy of the simpler treatment, which consists in watering abundantly 

 ■with hot water at a temperature of about 145° F., having previously stirred the 

 soil of the pots so far as might be done without injury to the root. Water is 

 then given until it runs freely from the pots. 



In his experiments the water first came out clear; afterwards it was sensibly 

 tinged with brown, and gave an appreciable acid reaction. After this thorough 

 washing, the pots were kept warm; very soon the plants began growing 

 YJgorously. 



RESTORING FROZEN PLANTS. 



The Boston Cultivator tells how to restore frozen plants, and claims that its 

 method, if strictly followed, will never fail: 



Allow the plants to remain where they were frozen; darken the room as 

 completely as practicable, and sprinkle them with cold water direct from the 

 cistern. A few drops of camphor put into the water will render it all the 

 better. Do not allow the room to become warmer than forty-seven degrees for 

 twenty-four hours. Although the water may freeze in drops on the leaves 

 when sprinkled, the plants will come out unharmed if this treatment is strictly 

 adhered to. 



FLOWERS BY MAIL. 



The Fruit Recorder tells how to send flowers safely by mail : 

 A cardboard box about seven inches long by four and a half broad, such as 

 shopkeepers have for crochet cotton, is the convenient size; and though at 

 first sight it may appear too small to contain more than a dozen blooms, it is 

 wonderful how much can be put in with judicious packing. In the bottom of 

 the box lay a little sliglitly damp moss, then a layer of flowers and a few green 

 leaves, another layer of flowers and then finish with an upper stratum of moss. 

 Pansios and liilies of the valley travel well, and will come out as fresh after a 



