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PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE. 



Hothouses are usuall\- built low, so as to be kept at a higher temperature, and water is 

 used so freely that there is a great deal of moisture in the atmosphere, which helps the 

 plants to a growth something approaching what they would have in their tropical homes. 

 When we enter these low-built houses, the plants are so seductive, either through their 

 gorgeous blossoms or ample and variegated foliage, that we can rarely resist the tempta- 

 tion of carrying away one or two trophies, while knowing that we cannot expect them 

 to thrive quite so well when reduced from their high diet, as it were; but yet we find they 

 tlo well enough not to entirely discourage us. A few failures make more lasting impres- 

 sions than constant and complete success; and if we study out the causes of those failures, 

 the lessons will not be too dearlv bought. 



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'OOD culture is secured as much by care in watering plants as by 

 .thing else; for if too much water is given, it is worse than giving 

 too little. Many inexperienced cultivators have an idea that to be 

 , told to give a plant plenty of moisture means to keep it wet and 

 cold all the time. For an intelligent discrimination in this regard, 

 ; of the first necessity to understand the native seat and habits of 

 the plant. The Fuchsia, for instance, is a native of Brazil on its mountain 

 slopes, and is accustomed to a moist atmosphere that never becomes stagnant. 

 Like conditions must as nearly as possible be artificially secured in our latitudes; 

 it ;nust therefore have plenty of moisture and be guarded fi-om strong sunlight. 

 The Calla Lily needs a large quantity of water (in fact, will grow in water) up 

 to the time of flowering; after which it is better to put it in a bed or border to 

 get a season's rest, depending upon the clouds for its supplies. Begonias and Ferns need 

 plenty of moisture, but abhor stagnation ; and it is better to syringe water over the leaves 

 than to be constantly drenching the soil around the roots. 



A good thing for the plants is to let them occasionally go dry at the roots. This is 

 nature's remedy, for even in the wettest climates there are some dry periods. No plant 

 should be allowed to drop its leaves for want of water; a watchful eye can do more than 

 set rules in the proper watering of plants. If the leaves droop, unless in newly potted 

 plants, water is called for, and should be applied to root and leaf. The ear can also be 

 utilized: a knock on the side of a pot will disclose the need of water by the hollow sound 

 emitted, while a dull, heavy tone shows there is already water enough. 



If the soil remains wet a long time in a pot or box, which is technicallv stvled "water- 

 logging," some means to dry it should be devised, as boring holes in the box, placing the 

 pot on a warm stove, or on its side to drain, or the like. The smaller the pot or box, 

 the more watering the plant requires, all things else being equal. 



All succulent or thick-leaved plants, after they have made their season's growth, may 

 be put away for rest, and be left without injury, and even to advantage, for many months, 

 deprived of water, in a dry place, which, howe\er, should be kept free from frost. 



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