WATERING OF PLANTS.. 33 



taining and retaining of moisture to support them through 

 the warm summer. How much water plants in pots will 

 require depends on the weather, season, and nature of the 

 plants. In the summer every day ; spring and fall not so 

 often ; December and January little or none ; for at that 

 season plants, generally speaking, are not in a growing 

 state. If the room where the plants are kept be dry and 

 warm, a little may be used to advantage ; still it should be 

 remembered that plants may be gorged at all seasons ; this 

 may be avoided in some measure by giving the plants a 

 good drainage when potted. It is the nature of some plants 

 to require more water than others ; this will be easily dis- 

 covered, when plants are in a growing state, by the soil at 

 the top of the pot drying up faster than others. 



The Camellia Japonica in the winter require much water 

 to make their flower buds swell and expand ; it must not 

 be supposed because that plant requires a plentiful sup- 

 ply, that others want as much. The Cacti family, if wa- 

 tered much in the winter, will soon perish ; but in its grow- 

 ing season must have its due portion. Plants when in full 

 growth should never be watered close to the stem or collar . 

 the object is to have the water first reach the roots that ex- 

 tend to the sides of the pot. Many tender exotic plants 

 have been killed by frequently watering the collar of the 

 plant, as the watering from a water pot is not so gentle as 

 rain; therefore more likely to be injurious. 



Liquid manure is sometimes used in watering plants, but 

 is dangerous to most varieties, unless used by a skillful gar- 

 dener ; it should never be used by the amateur. In early 

 spring and fall, as also the winter, the morning is the best 

 time to water plants, but in summer the evening. To wa- 



