170 THE HOT-HOUSE. 



together, and fill up at last, with that taken out of the first opening 

 Having finished, let the top be made level, and immediately plunge 

 the pots again to their rims as before. This work is so very neces- 

 sary, that it should not on any consideration be omitted at the time 

 above mentioned ; that is to say, if the bark has much declined in 

 it its heat. 



The bed being thus treated, it will soon renew its heat, and 

 retain the same well for six weeks, or thereabouts. 



At the expiration of that period, or some time in March or begin- 

 ning of April, the bark will require to be stirred up again, and 

 refreshed with about one third, or at least one fourth part of new 

 tan ; after this it will retain a proper degree of heat, till the fruit 

 are ripe.... See March and Ajiril. 



The bark-bed wherein the succession pine-plants are plunged, 

 should also be examined now with good attention ; and if the heat, 

 is found to be much decreased, the bed should be treated ill the 

 manner above directed* 



Watering the Pines* 



The fruiting pine-apple plants should now have moderate refresh- 

 ments of water, provided there be a good heat in the bark-bed : and 

 when there is a proper degree of that and moderate moisture 

 together, it will make the young fruit swell very fast. 



But in watering these plants, be careful to give it moderately at 

 each time. The rule is this : let the earth, in the pots which contain 

 the plants, be kept just a little moist in a middling degree ; and if 

 this is observed, the plants and fruit will thrive. 



The succession pine* plants, that is, those which are to fruit next 

 year, must also be refreshed now and then with water ; in watering 

 these, let the same rule be observed as just mentioned above. 



Remember also to give water at times to the younger succession 

 Pines, consisting of the last year's crowns and suckers. 



In watering the Pine plants in general, yon should still be cau- 

 tious to let none of it, or but as little as possible, fall into the centre 

 of the plants, where, being apt to lodge, it would prove detrimental? 

 in some degree, to these exotics, at this season. 



Of the various kinds of Plants in the Hot-house. 



In some hot-houses, there are kept many other sorts of curious 

 exotics, besides the Pines, both of the succulent and woody kinds, 

 &c. and as they are all tender, being from the hottest parts of the 

 world, the same degrees of heat, as recommended for the pine, will, 

 generally speaking, be suitable for them : however, there are some 

 of those, which to do them the greatest possible justice, that re- 

 quire a somewhat greater degree of heat than the Pine-apple, and 

 others not quite so much ; therefore, when there is the convenience 

 of different apartments in a long range of hot-houses, all may be 

 suited according to their respective necessities. 



