150 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION. 



In some cases, plants are much benefited by watering them 

 all over; this must, however, be done cautiously, and at a 

 time when the water will quickly dry upon them ; for if it is 

 left on them too long, it greatly injures them, and prevents 

 their respiration and perspiration. 



The time of watering plants must depend on circumstances; 

 the evening is the best, early in the autumn, after a fine sunny 

 day ; but in the winter months, the morning is the best ; for, 

 by watering in the evening, in winter, both the house and 

 the plants are injured, by being cooled too much. A water- 

 pot, with a rose, is most to be recommended, as it is not so 

 likely to wash the earth out of the pots, which injures those 

 roots near the surface. 



ART. 4. Temperature of the House. 



Admitting air to the green-house, requires some care and 

 practical knowledge ; to do it properly, regard must be had 

 to the nature of the plants, and the time of the year. When 

 the plants are first housed in the autumn, the sashes should be 

 wholly let down during the day, and the house closed at 

 about half an hour before sun-set. 



As the winter approaches, and the air gets colder, it must 

 be admitted more moderately in the morning, and the house 

 closed sooner in the evening, in order to shut in the sun heat. 

 The temperature of the house will depend on what state the 

 plants are to be kept in. 



The green-house is mostly considered as mere winter 

 quarters for plants to keep out the frost is considered suffi- 

 cient; but, for my own part, I think the green-house should 

 be made as inviting as possible in the winter, and the plants 

 forwarded a little, and forced into flower, for the gratification 

 of those who visit. The house, under such circumstances, 

 will require to be kept warmer than usual, by five or ten 

 degrees. 



The temperature of the green-house is usually regulated 

 by the thermometer of Fahrenheit, and the principal object is 



