IN AN IMPROVED PIT. 63 



weather ; and by this treatment they are kept 

 healthy and of good colour. 



Watering must greatly depend on the quan- 

 tum of heat within the pit: as if the heat be 

 low, a very little water must suffice ; but if the 

 heat be kept up to the degree recommended, a 

 little water, and often, especially over the brick- 

 work and air-chamber, will cause a beneficial 

 steam to arise. Water should be given at least 

 once in twenty-four hours on the heated air 

 chambers ; and at three or four o'clock, if the 

 plants are dry, when shutting down, till half-past 

 five or six, when the covering up takes place : 

 then air is again given for the night. 



If the plants present a humid appearance, 

 withhold water ; if dry on uncovering, sprinkle 

 the walls. After the middle of January more 

 water must be given, as then the growth will be 

 rapid. In May water should be given twice a 

 day, about ten and three o'clock. Extremes 

 should, however, be guarded against, and a 

 sound discretion exercised to insure success. 



