April^ GREEN-nOUSE — WATERING. 261 



ceptible. In order to strengtlieri the plants, and keep 

 them from becoming drawn and spindly, admit large por- 

 tions of air every mild day. Indeed, there will be very 

 few days in this month that a little air may not be given, 

 always observing to divide the quantity regularly over the 

 house, in cool nights closing in time. About the end of 

 the mouth an abundance of air is indispensable, leaving 

 the sashes and doors open every mild night, that the plants 

 may be inured to the open exposure they will have in a few 

 weeks. 



WATERING. 



As the season advances and vegetation increases, the 

 waterings will require to be more copious and more fre- 

 quent. Look over all plants minutely every day, and with 

 judicious care supply their wants. Those that are of a 

 soft shrubby nature, and in a free-growing state, will require 

 a larger portion at one time than those of a hard texture, 

 which may only want it every two or three days. The 

 weather and situation, in some instances, may require a 

 modification of these directions. Plants in general will not 

 suffer so soon from being a little dry as from being over- 

 watered. The health and beauty of the foliage of the plants 

 may be much improved by syringing them freely three 

 evenings in the week, except in moist weather, when it 

 ought not to be done. The ravages of many insects also 

 will be retarded, especially mildew and red spider, w^hich 

 will be entirely destroyed. If the red spider is on any of 

 the plants particularly, take them aside evening and morn- 

 ing, and give them a good dashing with water through the 

 syringe. Where there is mildew, after sj^ringing the plant, 

 dust it on the affected parts with flower of sulphur, and set 

 them for a few days where they wnll be sheltered from the 

 wind, after w^hich wash oif the sulphur. If the cure is not 

 complete, renew the dose. Always sweep out and dry up 

 the water in the house when any is spilt. The succulent 

 plants will be in want of a little water about once a-w^eek, 

 but do not over-water them, as there is not heat enough to 

 absorb much moisture. If the soil is damp, it is quite suf- 

 ficient. 



