THE TUBEROSE. 217 



Plunge the pots to their rims in a hotbed ; and, having 

 given a good watering, cover up the frames with the sash, 

 and cover the sash with a shutter. Examine them daily to 

 see that the heat is not too violent ; 75 to 80 is sufficient : 

 but they will not need any water until they begin to grow, 

 which will be in a few days. After they are fairly in 

 growth, remove the lights in fine weather, and give all the 

 sun and air possible ; but, in cold or frosty weather, keep 

 the sashes on. 



The first planting should be about the middle of April ; 

 and plantings may be made for succession, at intervals of a 

 fortnight, up to the first of June. As the plants grow, 

 increase the water ; and, as summer advances, remove the 

 sashes entirely : the object is to get as sturdy a growth as 

 possible. There is no danger that a tuberose will not be tall 

 enough. Keep them in the pots, and keep the pots together 

 in the hotbed, until the spikes begin to expand their 

 flowers, when the pots may be removed to the piazza, or 

 parlor, or plunged in the garden. 



In choosing the position for the hotbed, let it be in full 

 sunshine, and in the hottest possible place. If you supply 

 plenty of water, you cannot get a situation too hot ; but the 

 pots must always be shaded from the sun, which, if kept in 



