II.] 1HE AMERICAN GARDENER. 61 



like the steps of a stairs, that the whole of the 

 plants may share in the benefit bestowed by the 

 sun ; but, there may be some on the ground, or 

 floor ; and, indeed, the precise arrangement must 

 be left to the taste of the owner, The arrangement 

 ought, however, to be such as to make it convenient 

 to get at every pot ; not only for the purpose of 

 watering, but for that of picking off the dead, or 

 dying leaves ; for that of stirring the earth frequent- 

 ly round the stems of the plants ; and for that of 

 sweeping, and even washing, the benches and the 

 floor. For, let it be observed, that, besides the 

 neatness of keeping, due to so choice and elegant a 

 matter as a green-house, cleanliness is greatly con- 

 ducive to the health of plants in a confined situa- 

 tion. In short, it is beauty that is here sought ; 

 and, can there be beauty without cleanliness ! 



116. In the month of June (Long Island, observe) 

 the plants come out of this their winter abode. 

 How they are then to be disposed of will be treated 

 of hereafter, under the head of flowers ; where it 

 will be seen, that the green-house, besides being a 

 most charming object in winter, when all without 

 is dreariness, is the best security for giving you a 

 beautiful garden in summer; and that without a 

 green-house, or, at least, a hot-bed, it is quite im- 

 possible to have in perfection, either in America or 

 in England, certain plants and flowers, some of 

 which are the very greatest beauties of the beauti- 

 ful family of Flora. 



117. Nor must we forget some things, with regard 

 to which a green-house would be of great use, even 

 according to the most vulgar notions of utility. All 

 sorts of Herbs might be potted, and kept green and 

 growing in the green-house during the winter. Some 

 Herbs dry well ; but, none of them are quite so good 



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