34 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



ter plants and their leaves ; when the sun's rays are upon 

 them, is injurious (the Chrysanthemum being an excep- 

 tion) ; it may be said that the sun shines and it rains at the 

 same time ; that is true, but when that is the case the at- 

 mosphere is changed at the same time, and thus nature 

 counteracts its ill effects but with the water pot a corres- 

 ponding change in the atmosphere cannot be effected, con- 

 sequently your plants will blister, and be spotted, which 

 proves that watering in the evening is most congenial, and 

 the spongioles of the roots are better prepared to receive the 

 nourishment. 



Another custom to be condemned in persons having plants 

 is, their frequently putting them out in the rain during the 

 winter months; this should never be done for 'the reason 

 that cold rain not being beneficial the water becomes stag- 

 nant,sour and rots the roots, for unless the plants be growing 

 it is impossible for them to imbibe the moisture, let the sea- 

 son be w r hat it may, the plants are unable to discharge the 

 surplus at the leaves, the plant becomes sickly and dies, and 

 people are unable to account for the cause, not supposing 

 their own anxiety and kindness had destroyed them. More 

 plants are killed by over watering than for the want of it, 

 therefore due caution should be exercised by all beginners 

 in the use of that element. 



