CHAPTER XL. 



SYRINGING. 



No doubt many would think their plants would be in- 

 jured by syringing as frequently as I have advised, and 

 they certainly would be if done in the manner that is often 

 practiced, not only by amateur florists, but by growers. 



Syringing, as I have said, is only intended for the foli- 

 age, and not for the benefit of the roots of the plant when 

 dry. 



Soft-wooded plants, which are re-potted and get fresh 

 soil every month or two, can be watered and syringed at the 

 same time, or in any manner you think best for them; but 

 for the Camellia, which is only re-potted once a year, and 

 many of the large plants only once in three or five years, 

 syringing and watering at the same time will not answer. 



Many persons, in syringing, use water so freely as to 

 fill the pot with drippings from the foliage. 



This is not what I call dampening the foliage. 



For this special plant, the work of syringing the foliage 

 and watering the roots should be done at two different 

 times. 



Camellias will not flourish where the roots are 

 " slushed " with water every time the foliage is dampened. 



Water the roots of your plants only when they require 

 it, and then let it be done thoroughly. 



There is nothing in the growing of this plant in which 



I am so particular as syringing or dampening the foliage. 



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