83 



that stimulants should not be applied while flower buds are form- 

 ing, as it might induce an increased wood growth at the expense of the 

 flowering principle. 



Manurial liquids may be applied most freely when growth is active, 

 discontinued during the formation of flower buds, and applied more 

 sparingly during the expansion of the blossom. It is a safe rule to 

 dilute severely and use the solution in a perfectly clear state. Thick, 

 muddy water will not be of much benefit and stops up the pores in the 

 soil, preventing free action of atmospheric gases to the roots. 



Almost any substance that has manurial properties and will dissolve 

 readily may be rendered available. Every greenhouse or conservatory 

 should have a barrel fitted for the purpose. If furnished with a false 

 bottom or close wire and a tap between it and the bottom of the barrel 

 for drawing out the liquid, manure water can be easily prepared. 



FLOWER POTS. 



The relative value of hard-burned and soft or porous flower pots, so 

 far as culture of plants is concerned, is a subject of occasional inquiry. 

 Hard-burned pots are not generally esteemed and many persons con- 

 sider them unfit for the best results of plant culture, while others find 

 no objection to them, and use indiscriminately glazed pots or even 

 slate tubs when they can be procured. The only difference seems to 

 be that the porous pots require more water than will be found neces- 

 sary in the case of hard-burned pots or slate tubs. The porous pot 

 will part with much water by evaporation from its sides, especially 

 when exposed to the sun or a dry atmosphere. In a dry atmosphere 

 the hard, close-grained pot will retain more moisture in the soil. Plants, 

 therefore, require water less frequently in the hard pots ; and in the 

 ordinary greenhouse, where a considerable amount of humidity gen- 

 erally prevails, special care will be required in order that water is not 

 given in excess. The same amount of water applied to plants of simi- 

 lar size and vigor, some of which are in hard and others in soft pots, 

 will speedily show unhealthiuess in those in the hard pots. It is per- 

 fectly practicable to grow plants equally well either in soft or in hard 

 pots, but the details of management are different, and to those who 

 are not experts in plant culture the porous pots will be most suitable. 



NIGHT TEMPERATURE IN GLASS STRUCTURES. 



One of the most prevalent and injurious errors in the management of 

 greenhouses and other plant houses is that of keeping the temperature 

 too high during the night. With many the aim seems to be to main- 

 tain as high a degree of heat during the darkness as during light, a 

 practice opposed both to science and the results of experience, and one 

 that can not be too severely condemned. 



