184 HOT-HOUSE. [November 



must be applied according to the weather, observing not to 

 allow the temperature to be under fifty degrees ; and it ought 

 not to continue long at that degree, fifty-two degrees being 

 preferable. The shutters should be on every night when 

 there is any appearance of frost, and taken off early in the 

 morning. Admit air in small portions every day that the 

 sun has any effect and the atmosphere mild, observing that 

 the temperature of the house be above sixty degrees pre- 

 vious to admission. Shut all close early in the afternoon, or 

 vhen any sudden changes occur. 



OP A CISTERN AND WATER. 



In watering, it is important to have the water of the 

 same temperature in this department as the roots of the 

 plants. To have this, there are two kinds of cisterns or 

 tanks that might be adopted ; one may be sunk in the house 

 under ground, either closely plastered, or lined with lead, 

 and neatly covered up, having a small perpendicular pump 

 therein, or placed so that the water could be lifted by hand. 

 The other might, where convenience will admit, be placed 

 over the furnace, either in the back shed, or inside of the 

 house, and the water could be drawn off this by a stop-cock. 

 These can be supplied, in part, with rain water, by having 

 spouts round the house to lead into the cisterns, supplying 

 any deficiency from the pump. Thus water of a congenial 

 temperature may be always at hand, which is of great im- 

 portance to the healthful constitution of the plants. The 

 water must now be given in moderate portions, examining the 

 plants every day. Be careful in watering bulbs, as the 

 smallest supply is sufficient for them at present. Succulents 

 will require a little every two weeks, except they are over the 

 flues, when they may have some every week. 



Constantly clear off all decayed leaves, and carry them out 

 of the house, which sweep and wash clean, and keep all in tho 

 neatest order. 



