September.'] hot-house — of dressing plants. 177 



REPOTTING. 



If any of the repottings were neglected during May or 

 June, let it be done about tbe first of this mouth. Let 

 young plants that are growing freely, where the roots have 

 filled the pots, and the plants required to grow, have pots 

 one size larger. In turning out the ball of earth, keep it 

 entire, not disturbing any of the roots. 



OF PAINTING, REPAIRING, AND CLEANSING THE HOUSE. 



The necessary repairs of the hot-house are too often put 

 off to the last day or week ; and then with hurry are super- 

 ficially attended to. Previous to the first of September, 

 have all the wood-work painted (which ought to have one 

 coat every two years), and the glass all neatly repaired. 

 Have the flues and furnace examined ; plaster over all rents, 

 and make good every deficiency. Give the flue a thick coat 

 of lime white-wash. Have the walls, shelves, and staging 

 properly painted. If there is a tan-bed, have that renewed; 

 take out what is most decayed, using two-thirds new tan, 

 which must be dried at least three days in the sun before it 

 is housed^ and carefully protect it from rains. 



SEPTEMBER. 



DRESSING THE PLANTS. 



Having last month put the house in complete order, all 

 that remains necessary to be attended to is the state of the 

 plants and pots, which should be regularly examined, and 

 of those where the roots fill the soil, a little may be taken 

 off the top, supplying its place with fresh earth, thereby 

 giving what is called a top-dressing. Give each that re- 

 quires it a sufficient rod, tying the plant neatly thereto ; mi- 

 nutely scrutinize each for insects, and where they are de- 

 tected, have them eradicated. 



