178 THE HOTHOUSE. [Feb. 



others not quite so much; therefore, when there is the convenience 

 of different apartments in a long range of hot-houses, all may be 

 suited according to their respective necessities. 



Let it be observed, that all tender plants which are kept in pots, 

 the succulent tribe excepted, thrive much better when plunged in 

 the bark -bed; but the tallest-growing kinds must be planted in a 

 border of suitable earth, near the back wall, to give them the 

 greater scope for extending their heads. 



All these kinds of plants should be kept remarkably clean from 

 dust, or any sort of tilth that may gather upon their steins, shoots, 

 or leaves; and such ought always to be washed oft' as soon as it 

 appears. There is nothing more necessary than cleanliness to 

 preserve the health of plants; and where foulness is permitted 

 upon any of them, it will not only close up those small pores 

 which are so necessary to the growth of all vegetables, but will 

 also render the whole plant unhealthy, which seldom fails to invite 

 insects, and to increase them prodigiously in the house. 



These plants must also be kept very free from decayed leaves; 

 that is, when any such appear, let them be immediately taken oft*. 



Water should also be given to all these plants at times; some 

 will require but very little and seldom, and others will need it 

 pretty often. Therefore, let good care be taken that every plant, 

 according to its nature, be properly supplied with that article; but 

 be sure never to give any sort too much at a time; and in giving it 

 always make a distinction between the succulent, the herbaceous, 

 and the woody kinds. 



The latter will need water oftener, and more at a time, than 

 either of the former; for some of those require very little moisture 

 about their roots, and too much would rot the plants. 



Let the woody kinds in general be moderately watered not less 

 than once or twice a week; and it will be serviceable to sprinkle 

 water sometimes all over the head or branches of these plants, 

 especially the coftee tree, the pimento, or allspice, and all the 

 tender Mimosas. 



But the succulent kinds, such as the cactuses, mesembryanthe- 

 mums, aloes, Euphorbias and the like, must not be watered oftener 

 than once a week. 



In watering these kinds let care be taken to give but little at 

 each time, just sufficient to reach the bottom roots. 



It will be an advantage to all these tender plants, both of the 

 woody, succulent, and other kinds, when the surface-earth in the 

 pots casually crusts or binds, to stir and loosen it lightly a small 

 depth. 



Admit Jlir. 



Fresh air should now be admitted to the pines and other plants 

 in the hot-house at all times when the weather will permit. 



But this, however, must only be done at this season, when the 

 sun shines warm, and the air is quite calm and clear; then it will 

 be proper to slide some of the glasses open a little way, in the 

 warmest time of the day, particularly the roof-lights, shutting all 



