542 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



ment; and when wanted to grow, they will naturally stand still and 

 enjoy the demands of nature. It is unwise for cultivators to adopt 

 systems contrary to natural laws, instead of using every possible means 

 in their power to bring plants to a stand-still artificially — not by force, 

 but gradually, according to their constitution and requirements. The 

 little time that may be considered lost by some growers in subjecting 

 plants to a resting period in late seasons will be repaid by the vigorous 

 and luxuriant growth made afterwards. Withholding water is not the 

 only means necessary to bring plants to rest, and the ordeal of drying 

 with many classes would prove more detrimental than beneficial. Yet 

 a judicious use of the water-pot with evergreen plants is indispensable. 

 To keep their roots healthy and their foliage from being injured is 

 what is required. In other cases it is necessary to withhold water, 

 and to maintain a drier atmosphere and lower temperature. Plants in 

 every department need careful watering, more especially as the days 

 shorten and growth comes to a stand-still. In many instances we have 

 noticed plants suffering for want of water when they most needed it ; 

 while, on the other hand, it is too frequently supplied with a venge- 

 ance, and neither thought nor care exercised in its application until 

 bad results follow, and a large amount of damage is perceptible. We 

 would, if success is the object, forcibly urge the importance of caution 

 in watering, and carefully examining the requirements of plants. 

 Plants do not need so much water after growth is completed ; nor in 

 the dark short days of winter is there any agent to evaporate it so 

 freely from the pots as when the heat and dryness of the air require 

 so much to feed it. It is during the winter season and early spring 

 that watering should be most carefully studied. Too frequently do 

 we see that beautiful genus Erica, " which deserves to be more largely 

 grown," suffering in winter through the application of water in a care- 

 less manner — too much at times, then again not sufficient — which no 

 after-treatment can rectify. Their nature, and the solidity of the soil 

 in which they are potted, should guide us in a large measure not.to 

 give them too much. Azaleas of the indica type are plants that in 

 many cases undergo severe treatment ; and in a great measure their 

 injury may be traced to the way in which they are supplied with water. 

 The fine fibry nature of their roots soon becomes destroyed if negligence 

 in watering is resorted to. These, while in an active state, are allowed 

 to get dust-dry, and are kept on the dry side perhaps for weeks, in order, 

 as we have heard it remarked, to bring them to rest. Under such treat- 

 ment we need not wonder at so many examples being destitute of foli- 

 age, and looking more like a bundle of dead sticks through the winter 

 than Azaleas. We need not wonder at them presenting such a melan- 

 choly appearance when subjected to such unnatural treatment in order 

 to bring them to rest. In time they are brought to a long rest, and 

 find their resting-place on the rubbish-heap. We are aware Azaleas 

 shed a portion of their leaves annually ; but it can readily be seen that 



