May.] THE GREEN-IIOUSE. 40 j 



night and day, in order to harden and prepare the plants for a re- 

 moval into the open air; an extraordinary change of weather, how- 

 ever, may sometimes render it prudent to close them at night, but 

 that should not be done at this season except in cases of necessity. 

 Water must now be given to every plant according to its nature 

 and in proportion to its necessity, as observed last month; the 

 oranges, lemons, myrtles, and other woody kinds, will require it 

 frequently; it is impossible to say how often; the state of the earth 

 in which they grow will readily denote it; it should always be 

 kept moist but not wet. The succulent tribe must yet get it but 

 sparingly. 



Shifting. 



Such plants as were not removed into larger pots or tubs in the 

 preceding months, and that still require it, may now be shifted as 

 directed in page 362; but this must be done in the first week of 

 the month, keeping them afterwards in the shade till they begin to 

 grow freely. 



Loosen the earth in the top of the pots and tubs, and refresh with 

 new compost such as had been neglected in April. 



Pruning and Heading. 



You may still prune, trim, and head such of your plants as are 

 in need of that treatment; but let it be done early in the month, 

 and as directed in pages 307, 308, and 3G3, which see. 



Propagating Green- House Plants. 



Continue to propagate most kinds of plants, by cuttings, suckers, 

 seeds and layers, as directed in pages 309, and 3G4. The China 

 and Otaheite roses, may now be increased abundantly by cuttings, 

 tliey will strike root freely, and flower handsomely in autumn. 



Seedling Oranges and Lemons. 



The seedling oranges and lemons raised from the late sowings of 

 last year should, early in this month, if not done before, be trans- 

 planted into separate pots; they ought to be watered immediately, 

 and shaded from the sun till newly rooted. If plunged into a hot- 

 bed or bark-bed for two or three weeks, and carefully shaded from 

 the mid-day sun, it will greatly facilitate their rooting, and pro- 

 mote their growth. 



The early sown seedlings may, towards the latter end of the 

 month, be planted separately into small pots, and treated in like 

 manner. 



You may yet sow the seeds of oranges and lemons in pots or 

 boxes, for stocks: they will rise freely without any artificial heat, 



and make tolerable progress during the season. 



on ° 



