INTRODUCTION. lix 



it is requisite to keep them close to the glass — a foot 

 will be near enough, but better nearer than more 

 distant ; and the pots should be plunged as before. 

 Gradually inure them, after they have been a few days 

 in their new position, to more light and a freer circu- 

 lation of air, being guided by caution ; and in the latter 

 respect the character of the weather must determine 

 whether the air should be admitted by stint or freely. 

 Cold frosty winds must be excluded, while on soft balmy 

 days a good circulation may be kept up. Air should be 

 admitted as early in the day as possible, and the frame 

 be closed early in the afternoon. Watering is best done 

 in the morning also, and carefulness to avoid dashing 

 small weakly plants must be exercised, else many deaths 

 will occur; and as a further measure of safety, only tepid 

 water should be used up till the end of April. After that 

 time any soft water that has been well aerated by hav- 

 ing been exposed for some days to the influence of the 

 air will answer the requirements well, but cold spring 

 water immediately drawn from wells or pipes is injurious 

 when applied to well-developed plants even, and is 

 especially destructive to seedlings. When the seedlings 

 of any sort are sufficiently large to be handled con- 

 veniently, it is time to set about pricking them off or 

 transplanting them. This is a most important point, 

 and attention to it will not admit of delay without loss 

 of time in the object aimed at — e.g., an early establish- 

 ment of the plants in their permanent quarters ; and 

 entails increased difficulty in the operation itself, and 

 often risk also of utter failure. This work must be 

 anticipated, and preparations made for it. Those pos- 

 sessed of plenty of frames, and who desire to get up 



