THE HEATH HOUSE. 153 
necessary to know that the cuttings are all well rooted 
before entirely taking off the glasses, and before 
attempting to pot them off. A cool pit or house is 
best for them after they are well rooted and they are 
potted off. 
Keep all Heaths moist at the root, but never give 
them water while they are moist just for convenience, 
that is, do not give them water if they do not require 
it because you happen to be going away to-morrow, or 
because you want to go home, thinking to yourself, ‘ If I 
do not give them some water now they will be too dry 
by to-morrow,’ as is often the case with persons who 
have the care of plants. It may do no great harm in . 
the case of Fuchsias, Geraniums, &c., but in Heath grow- 
ing injudicious watering will prove fatal as surely as 
you attempt it. But if, on the other hand, Heaths at 
any stage of their growth are allowed to get thoroughly 
dry at the root, there remains no remedy; if they are 
supersaturated with water equal failure will ensue. 
Heaths will not stand too much fire heat, nor must 
the frost be allowed to reach them; a damp, close and 
confined air will also be injurious, as it will surely bring 
mildew ; sufficient moisture at the roots with frequent 
overhead syringing during the summer, and an abund- 
ance of air with partial shade from the sun, these are 
the necessary conditions for Heath growing. 
In the case of large specimens, progressive shifting 
is necessary, and good drainage with frequent stopping 
are essential to obtain fine and healthy plants; but the 
time of flowering of each species must be observed for 
the discontinuing of the stopping. Stopping or the 
nipping out of the points of the leading shoots must be 
done immediately after the flowering is over, and onwards 
