APRIL] THE HOT-HOUSE. 3f 9 



month this is done with more safety by sliding open a sufficient 

 number of the roof-lights. 



SUCCESSION PINES. 



The succession pines, especially those intended for fruiting next 

 season, should be shifted as early in this month as possible if not 

 done in March. For the method of doing it and the manner of 

 treating them after, see page 325. 



The crowns and suckers of last season should now also be shifted 

 into larger pots and managed in like manner. 



TREATMENT OF THE OTHER VARIOUS STOVE PLANTS. 



The general treatment directed for the pines may be given in 

 common to most other stove plants. With respect to shifting or 

 adding fresh earth to the pots, that should now be done in the same 

 manner as directed for the green-house plants ; after which, if there 

 be room in the bark-bed, let the pots be immediately plunged to their 

 rims therein, and by the assistance of the kindly heat the plants will 

 root freely in the new earth, which will give them strength, promote 

 their health, revive their color, and prepare them the better for a 

 removal. into the open air towards the end of next month. 



The woody kinds will now require frequent and gentle waterings, 

 the herbaceous occasionally; but the succulent sorts should get only 

 a little now and then, as the earth in the pots seems to stand in 

 need of it. 



When any of the stove plants have contracted much dust or other 

 foulness, such must be cleaned off immediately; all decayed leaves 

 should constantly be picked away, and the utmost cleanness pre- 

 served in all the house. 



Where insects appear on the pines or on any of the other plants, 

 immediate attention ought to be paid to the destruction of them, for, 

 in a short time, if neglected, they would overrun the house and ruin 

 many of the plants. For the methods of extirpating them, see 

 article Hot-house for February, page 178, &c. 



The paying of due attention to all the plants, giving them suitable 

 care and culture, preserving them in good health, and keeping the 

 house constantly clean and the plants free from decayed leaves and 

 filth, is the surest method of not being much troubled with insects. 



PROPAGATING VARIOUS STOVE EXOTICS. 



You may now propagate by cuttings, layers, suckers, or seeds, the 

 various plants of this department. Plant the cuttings in pots, plunge 

 them in the bark-bed, and the kinds that grow by that method, which 

 are very numerous, will strike root freely ; and, indeed, there are 

 very few sorts but may be cultivated in this way, if covered close for 

 some time with bell-glasses to preserve a moist atmosphere around 

 them till they establish themselves in the earth and are able to draw 



