1881.] • TRANSACTIONS. 33 



likely, so many of the lower roots decay that the plant be- 

 comes stunted and sickly. Being worse than dead, because it 

 is an eyesore, and a disfigurement to the plant-stand, and yet 

 it has so much life left that you hate to throw it away. 



Moreover, we learn by experience, that some species of 

 plants naturally require much more water than some others in 

 the same situations. Plants with an al)undance of broad thin 

 leaves will require much more water than plants with small and 

 thick leaves. All plants with thick and succulent leaves, like the 

 Cactus family, and most varieties of Begonias, must be watered 

 more sparingly, and when dormant should have ver}"- little. 

 Shrubby plants, such as Azalea?, Camelias, etc., must be rather 

 sparingly watered in the earlier part of the Winter till they get 

 ready to bloom and not excessively watered at any time. 

 Azaleas seem to get sick very easily, and my experience is 

 that very few sick ones get well. 



I am often asked the question, " How often do plants need 

 water?" To this I make answer, that plants in small pots, 

 standing in a sunny window close to the glass, especially if the 

 sun shines on the pots, may require water twice a day. While 

 plants in larger pots, not in the direct rays of the sun, may re- 

 quire it no oftener than once or twice a week. So then, the only 

 rule about watering plants, is to feel such a loving interest in 

 them, that they are examined carefully every day and water 

 given when it is needed. 



One of the most injudicious waj's of watering is to give a little 

 every day. For when you do that some uf your plants may be 

 starving and others drowning. For instance, if some of the 

 plants were too wet, a little every day would keep them so ; 

 and if some of them were quite dry a little would only moisten 

 the top of the soil while the larger part of the roots would be 

 suffering froni drouth. 



The true way then is to give enough to thoroughly moisten all 

 the soil in the pot, then wait till it gets pretty dry before you 

 give it any more. This applies to plants in common flower-pots. 

 For plants in glazed pots, or window boxes, another rule must 

 be observed and that is, not give them enough to go to the bot- 

 tom. Such plants require a great deal more care in watering 

 than plants in common pots do, and unless good judgment is 

 used there will be an excess of water at the bottom and the 

 plants will become diseased. 



Another point to be observed if plants are to be kept in the 

 highest state of health and vigor is to apply water to the foliage as 

 well as the roots. 1 have spoken of syringing the foliage when 

 you close up the ventilator in the conservatory, but i)lants not in 

 a conservatory need this refreshment just the same. 



