MANAGEMENT OF GREENHOUSES 121 



it gets only northern light or sunlight for a part of the 

 day. Too strong shade induces a soft, sappy growth 

 which is more susceptible to disease. When plants are 

 first transplanted, the glass should receive a thin coating 

 of shade until the root system becomes established. This 

 is especially true when large plants, like carnations, are 

 transplanted from the field, and a decided check to the 

 plant follows. After they become established they need 

 full sunlight, so the shade should be of a character which 

 may be removed easily. Palm and fern houses usually 

 have permanent shade, for this insures a dark, rich color 

 to the foliage. Ground glass or " frosted " glass is most 

 generally used in houses for foliage plants. A durable 

 shade may be made of gasoline and white lead mixed to a 

 consistency of thin cream, with a very little boiled oil 

 added. This is removed with difficulty from the glass, 

 and should be applied only for a permanent shade. Tem- 

 porary shades are made of whiting and naphtha, of propor- 

 tions varying to secure the required density, and are easily 

 removed. A little salt may be added to give the shade a 

 more permanent character. 



Shade may be applied with a spray pump, provided 

 it is carefully and evenly done. A careless application 

 is extremely unsightly. On private conservatories and 

 where a more attractive shade is desired, the glass is usu- 

 ally coated with a brush. 



During cloudy days in midwinter, most flowering plants 

 require full sunlight and the clearest glass possible. 



95. Propagating. The caretaker of a house should 

 have a succession of plants. As a rule, old stock plants be- 

 come unsightly, and dwarf, stocky ones are always more 

 attractive. The flower- and plant-grower should know 

 when to propagate plants of different species so that they 



