84 LADIES' FLOWER GARDENER. 



in proportion as the leaves are so ; and this is one of the reasons 

 why delicate-leaved plants are not so well adapted for house cul- 

 ture as those which have the leaves larger and firmer. 



Light has also a considerable effect in promoting the healthy 

 action of leaves, and many plants fold up their leaves in the dark, 

 or even when the sky is lowering. This, though it has no resem- 

 blance to sleep in animals, has been called the sleep of plants, 

 and the curious reader may find an interesting notice of it in the 

 " Amoenitates Academicse " of Linnaeus. 



THE SUPPLY OF HOUSE PLANTS. 



There are many ways of doing this ; but to those who have 

 the opportunity, and choose to be at the expense, there is, per- 

 haps, none better than that of contracting for the year with some 

 skilfull and respectable nurseryman ; in this case the plants will 

 be attended by the contractor, and kept in the best condition. 

 Much pleasure is, however, sacrificed by those who adopt this 

 mode, inasmuch as the chief enjoyment of plants arises from the 

 feeling that they are the nurslings of our own care ; and it is 

 astonishing how strongly the judicious treatment of plants leads 

 to judicious management in all other matters. 



Plants, except such as are novelties and sought only by the 

 curious, may always be had at moderate prices from respectable 

 growers. Covent Garden furnishes an abundant supply for Lon- 

 don, and those who are not so particular may have them of the 

 hawkers. In dealing with these people, some care is however 

 necessary ; very many of the plants which they offer for sale arc 

 thrown away or stolen, and in both cases they are taken up with- 

 out any regard to the preservation of the roots, and thus there is 

 a considerable chance against their success. Those injured plants 

 are made to look healthy for a little time by means of an ovei 



