April.'] HOT-HOUSE REPOTTING. 149 



Where plants of the dwarf Musas are intended to be grown 

 for fruiting, they must have particular attention in repotting 

 as they grow ; about the first of the month will be a proper 

 time to begin : copious waterings are daily required when they 

 are in a growing state. Their soil is No. 12, with one portion 

 more manure. For farther detail, see May. 



APRIL. 



Where the hot-house has been properly conducted, the 

 plants generally will have a vigorous and healthful aspect. 

 An error frequently arises in the conducting of these depart- 

 ments, by inexperienced operators, being ambitious of out- 

 stripping their competitors. They keep the house in a very 

 high temperature, and admit little or no air. Where such a 

 mode has <been pursued, the plants will have got over their 

 first growth, and the foliage looks yellow and decaying; thus 

 throwing the plants into a state of inactivity, when nature 

 herself commences her most active movements. The tempera- 

 ture should not be under 55 in the night, nor much above 

 75 during the day, without admitting a little air by the top- 

 lights. It will not do yet to give air by the front sashes, the 

 wind being cool, and a current in the house would be hurtful. 

 The sun is not so powerful, but the heat can be kept down by 

 the air given from above. 



Hot-house or tropical plants will not materially suffer with 

 100 of sun heat, provided they are not very near the glass; 

 but such an extreme would be injurious to practise. 



REPOTTING. 



o 



Where there is a general assortment of the Cactse tribe, 

 and kept in this department, now is the proper poriod to give 

 them a general repotting. Of all the tropical floral produc- 

 tions, there is not a family more curious, grotesque, interest- 

 ing, and beautiful than this; and, what still more enhances 

 their real value, they are in this country of the easiest cui- 



