168 



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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 departments, by inexperienced operators being 

 ambitious of outstripping their competitors. They keep 

 the house in a very high temperature, and admit little 

 or no air. Where such mode has been pursued, the 

 plants will have got over their first growth, and the 

 foliage look yellow and decaying, thus throwing the 

 plants into a state of inactivity, when nature herself 

 commences her most active movements. The tempe- 

 rature should not be under 60 nor much above 75, 

 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 hurt- 

 ful. The sun is not so powerful but the heat can be 

 kept down by the air given from above. In very cold 

 cutting winds, though the effects of sun heat be great, 

 admitting of much air may be injurious. Whatever 

 err6r may arise, let it be on the side of caution. How- 

 ever, when high winds prevail, there is little danger of 

 the house becoming overheated by the effect of the 

 sun. Hot-house or tropical plants will not be hurt with 

 110, if they are not touching the glass. And if the 



