14 THE PARLOR GARDENER. 



some rarely and sparingly, others often and pro- 

 fusely, but always with water of the same tem- 

 perature as that of the earth in which they are 

 placed this being a very important point, upon 

 which most people who have flowers in pots in 

 their chambers are perfectly ignorant. You ladies 

 like a comfortable degree of warmth ; so also do 

 your plants ; and nothing is more agreeable, and 

 at the same time more healthy, than a good tem- 

 perature within doors when the cold reigns with- 

 out. Yet, mark what frequently happens : Some 

 beautiful camellia is your delight. To judge by 

 the profusion of buds with which it is loaded, it 

 promises a splendid bloom in January. You have 

 been enjoined not to fail to water it evening and 

 morning, and this injunction you punctually ful- 

 fil. But in what way ? You go to the dining 

 room sideboard for the water pitcher you find 

 it empty you have it replenished from the fil- 

 ter the temperature of this water is almost icy 

 you pour it upon the roots of your camellia. 

 Suppose some one was to pour icy water upon 

 your feet the shock would make you cry out. 

 Your camellia says nothing, but it does not suffer 



