44 WATERING. * 
are comparatively near the stem; but in trees, and most plants hav- 
ing spreading roots, the spongioles are generally as far distant from 
the stem as the extremity of the branches; and the water, to be effi- 
cacious, should be given there. ; 
The quantity of water to be given varies, not only according to the 
nature of the plant, but to the state of its growth. In spring, when 
the sap first begins to be in motion, and the young plant is every 
day unfolding fresh leaves or blossoms, it requires abundance of 
water; as it does when in flower, or when the fruit is swelling. In 
autumn, on the contrary, when the fruit is ripening, and in winter, 
when the plantis in a state of perfect rest, very little water is neces- 
sary, and much is positively injurious, as being likely either to ex- 
cite a morbid and unnatural action in the vessels, or even to bring 
on rottenness and decay. Water is necessary for seeds to induce 
them to germinate ; but much of it is very injurious to young plants 
when they first come up, as it unsettles their roots, and almost 
washes them away. ‘The roots, also, are at first too weak to imbibe 
water; and the plants feed on the nourishment contained in the co- 
tyledons, or in the albumen of the seeds. It is when the second pair 
of leaves has opened that water is required, though it should at first 
be given sparingly. When the plant begins to grow vigorously, it 
requires more food; and if it be then kept too short of nourishment, 
it becomes stunted in its growth. ‘The quantity of water requisite 
also depends on the kind of leaves that the plant unfolds. A plant 
with large broad leaves, like the tobacco, requires twice as much 
water as a plant with small pinnate leaves, like an acacia. Plants 
exposed to a strong light, also, require more than plants grown in 
the shade. . 
The time for watering plants varies according to the season. in 
spring and autumn it is best to water plants in themorning. But in 
summer, the usual time is the evening; while in winter, the very lit- 
tle that is required should be given in the middle of the day. Many 
persons object to watering their plants when the sun is upon them; 
but this is not at all injurious, so long as the water is not too cold, and 
is only given to the roots. Watering the leaves when the sun is 
upon them will make them blister, and become covered with pale 
brown spots wherever the water has fallen. It is much better to wa- 
ter plants during sunshine, than to suffer them to become too dry; as 
when the spongioles are once withered, no art can restore them. 
