CH. II.] THE ROOTS. 77 



warmer than the soil to which it is to be added. It 

 may be given in diy hot weather eveiy second day, 

 and in such abundance as to pass slightly through 

 the earth into the saucers. These must be emptied 

 as often as water appears in them, unless they be 

 Hunt's saucers, in which case a little water may be 

 allowed to remain, as before mentioned. These are 

 general rules, to be modified only in the instances of 

 plants requiiing peculiar treatment. Among the 

 exceptions are the different kinds of mimulus, 

 hydrangea, and some others, which are benefited by 

 the saucers being constantly filled with water. 



If the thennometer does not fall below 60° during 

 the day, nor to less than 34° at night, the usual room 

 plants may be kept in healthy growth during the 

 \sinter. There is a much greater variety of tempe- 

 ratui'e at command, even in a small room, than is 

 generally imagined. Thus, in one twelve feet 

 square, with a fire burning, and having the door 

 open, I have observed the thennometer on the 

 floor 59° ; at six feet from the floor, 67° ; and at nine 

 feet, 74°. During severe frosts, the higher plants 

 are placed from the floor the less liable will they be 

 to suffer during the night, when the fire has become 

 extinguished. 



The soil varies according to the nature of the 

 plant ; but whatever be its quality, instead of being 



