FAR^IEKS" INSTITUTES. 263 



kept too hot and too dry, and is always known to be present by the leaves hav- 

 ing a pale, spotted appearance. Hence, atmospheric moisture, obtained by 

 sprinkling the foliage with water, will generally dispose of them. 



Vendlation. 



AVhatever plants we cultivate, the more healthy they will be in proportion to 

 the fresh air they receive. Those are the most dependent on this change of 

 air which receive least sunshine, because in sunshine the plant, to a certain 

 extent, purilies its own atmosphere. Air giving, however, must be dependent 

 on human comfort, as well as the welfare of plants, and should only be given 

 when air above freezing can be admitted, and be careful to avoid draughts. 

 When people talk of dry air being injurious to plants, they really mean impure 

 air ; air is seldom too dry. 



Shading. 



It is seldom necessary to shade a plant out of doors, but it is sometimes 

 desirable to shade plants in windows. There, for instance, is a fresh potted 

 plant, perhaps partially disrooted a week ago; the weather has been dull ever 

 since; but to-day the sun shines brightly, and water as you will every leaf 

 Avilts; there are greater demands made upon the leaves than the roots can, in 

 their torpid state, properly meet ; and in such a case, when the soil is wet 

 enough, instead of deluging it with more water, the proper plan to adopt is 

 shading, and sprinkling the foliage with water until the reciprocal action be- 

 tween roots and leaves is restored. But another evil is sometimes induced by 

 continuing the shade longer than is necessary. Plants lengthen in heat, but 

 increase only in unobstructed light; so that too much shade has the tendency to 

 spindle out what previously existed. Use it, therefore, but do not abuse it. 



A south window is the best position for plants during the winter and spring 

 months. For the summer months, north or east is preferable. 



Watering Plants. 



There is no subject more perplexing to beginners than this. I know I can 

 not advance one new idea, but will treat the matter simply, arranging my ob- 

 servations under three divisions — When to water, How to water, and What 

 water to use. 



}]7(e)i to Water Plants. 



When to water plants is governed by the circumstances of the plant at the 

 time, whether growing, at rest, or approaching a state of repose, and on its 

 position as respects sunshine or shade, and a high or low temperature; so that 

 judicious watering is not so much a matter of regiilar routine, as of thought, 

 intelligence, and adaptation to circumstances. Watch the first signs of dis- 

 tress, and there and then apply the relief. Do not wait for the proofs of suf- 

 fering, in the plants wilting and hanging their heads in festoons around the 

 pots. As a general principle, the same rule holds good in respect to a cutting. 

 Here is a cactus; water it regularly, and you will kill it with juices it cannot 

 get rid of. There is a bulb which requires a season to ripen and another season 

 to rest; continue to water it, and if you do not kill it, you will look in vain for 

 flowers another year. Plants nniy wilt from weakness, or excess of sap in the 



