31 



CHAP. IV. 

 ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MATURE PLANTS. 



From the time that the plants become established, 

 which is the period of their existence now about to be 

 considered, they require to have the elements of vegeta- 

 ble growth duly supplied to them, in order to secure 

 their successful developement. It is not enough to 

 plant them in proper soil, and duly to water them, unless 

 attention is also paid to the temperature, as well as the 

 constituents of the atmosphere to which they are sub- 

 mitted; neither will attention to these latter points be 

 sufficient to ensure success, if at the same time, the for- 

 mer are neglected. A soil of suitable chemical, as well 

 as mechanical composition, a pure and wholesome atmos- 

 phere, water promptly and properly applied, and heat 

 duly regulated, are conditions which equally require 

 minute care and attention in their adaptation ; and these 

 being applied upon the comprehensive, and perfectly har- 

 monious principles of nature, will leave but little to be 

 done in the shape of expedients, which are too frequently 

 resorted to, as the means of counterbalancing either 

 defective or unsuitable management. The application of 

 these agents to the cultivation of the plant under con- 

 sideration, in the winter season, will form the subjects of 

 succeeding chapters, I will here briefly direct attention 

 to the importance of light in the growth of plants, and 

 then devote some space to the consideration of the sub- 

 ject of pruning and 'training. 



Light is most essential to the perfect and healthy deve- 

 lopement of vegetable organization, the performance of 

 the functions essential to the health of plants being 



