FEB.} THE HOT-HOUSE. 187 



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ments in a long range of hot-houses, all may be suited according to 

 their respective necessities. 



Let it be observed, that all tender plants which are kept in pots, 

 the succulent tribe excepted, thrive much better when plunged in 

 the bark-bed; but the tallest growing kinds must be planted in a 

 border of suitable earth, near the back wall, to give them the greater 

 scope for extending their heads. 



All these kinds of plants should be kept remarkably clean from 

 dust, or any sort of filth that may gather upon their stems, shoots, 

 or leaves ; and such ought always to be washed off as soon as it ap- 

 pears. There is nothing more necessary than cleanliness to preserve 

 the health of plants ; and where foulness is permitted upon any of 

 them, it will not only close up those small pores which are so neces- 

 sary to the growth of all vegetables, but will also render the whole 

 plant unhealthy, which seldom fails to invite insects, and to increase 

 them prodigiously in the house. 



These plants must also be kept very free from decayed leaves ; that 

 is, when any such appear, let them be immediately taken off. 



Water should also be given to all these plants at times ; some will 

 require but very little and seldom, and others will need it pretty 

 often. Therefore, let good care be taken that every plant, accord- 

 ing to its nature, be properly supplied with that article ; but be sure 

 never to give any sort too much at a time ; and in giving it always 

 make a distinction between the succulent, the herbaceous, and the 

 woody kinds. 



The latter will need water oftener, and more at a time, than either 

 of the former ; for some of those require very little moisture about 

 their roots, and too much would rot the plants. 



Let the woody kinds in general be moderately watered not less 

 than once or twice a week ; and it will be serviceable to sprinkle wa- 

 ter sometimes all over the head or branches of these plants, espe- 

 cially the coffee tree, the pimento, or allspice, and all the tender 

 Mimosas. 



But the succulent kinds, such as the cactuses, mesembryanthe- 

 mums, aloes, Euphorbias and the like, must not be watered oftener 

 than once a week. 



In watering these kinds let care be taken to give but little at each 

 time, just sufficient to reach the bottom roots. 



It will be an advantage to all these tender plants, both of the 

 woody, succulent, and other kinds, when the surface earth in the 

 pots casually crusts or binds, to stir and loosen it lightly a small 

 depth. 



ADMIT AIR. 



Fresh air should now be admitted to the pines and other plants in 

 the hot-house, at all times when the weather will permit. 



But this, however, must only be done at this season, when the sun 

 shines warm, and the air is quite calm and clear ; then it will be pro- 

 per to slide some of the glasses open a little way, in the warmest 

 time of the day, particularly the roof-lights, shutting all close if the 



