THE GARDEN. 323 



WATERING. 



In this, there are many mistakes made ; often, the water 

 is poured on from a pail or from the nose of the water- 

 ing-pot. In both cases, the upper soil is wet, but the 

 greater portion of the water runs off, and fails to benefit 

 the garden. Now, our rules for watering are, never 

 water unless the soil absolutely needs it: some think 

 watering a daily duty, to be attended to whether the 

 need exists or not. If the soil is close or clayey, very 

 seldom will water be required ; if sandy or loose, more 

 often, but each locality will have its own rules. 



Again, never dash water on the plants or ground ; 

 give it slowly and gently from the rose of a watering- 

 pot, and let it soak into the earth. 



A good way, if a plant specially needs water, is to 

 put a flower-pot close to it, press the pot down into the 

 ground and fill it with water ; gently and slowly the water 

 will soak through the hole at the bottom of the pot, 

 and the roots of the plant receive the needed moisture. 

 In time of drought, a syringing is of much benefit to 

 shrubs and plants. 



The water for plants should not be very cold ; rain 



