Forcing Temperature Syringing. 



149 



remedied by syringing the plants copiously, and, if found necessary, by pouring water 

 on the floor of the house. A damp atmosphere is best remedied by giving air. Unless 

 the weather be frosty, air should be admitted for the first fortnight, to strengthen the 

 growing buds ; but so soon as leaves are formed it will be necessary to keep the house 

 constantly closed, except the air be very mild, which it seldom is at this season of the 

 year. By the admission of cold air the young leaves may, from their extreme tender- 

 ness, be blighted in an hour. The plants being once fairly aroused, and their roots in 

 action, the temperature may be gradually raised till we reach 50 degrees by night and 

 75 degrees by day. A higher temperature than this should not, I think, be produced 

 artificially. Towards the Spring sudden bursts of sunshine will occasionally raise 

 the house 10 degrees without producing any injurious effects ; still, if the weather be 

 mild, we would counteract this by giving air ; if keen and windy, by shading. A 



Fig. 42. ROSE HOUSE. Elevation. 



temperature of 90 degrees, or even 100 degrees, caused by sunshine, is, however, 

 productive of less injury than a keen frosty air. 



In case of severe weather, as was experienced in February 1845, on the I2tn f 

 which month the thermometer sunk as low as 6 degrees, there will probably be some 

 difficulty experienced in maintaining the temperature previously recommended. 

 Under such circumstances the plants will receive no injury from a slight decrease of 

 heat, which is indeed much to be preferred to a high forced temperature produced by 

 great effort. If the house or pit is so constructed that it can be conveniently covered 

 up with mats or cloths, radiation is prevented, and the advantages are very great ; 

 and this is desirable on the score of economy, for a great expenditure of fuel is saved ; 

 but it is still more desirable for the health of the plants, because the less artificial heat 

 employed the better. 



In the early stage of growth little water need be given ; the plants may be syringed 

 occasionally with manure-water of moderate strength. I have sometimes used soot- 

 water in lieu of the above, and the vigour of growth, the dark green hue of the foliage, 



