CULTURAL DETAILS 23 



the roots to work freely, and build up a robust plant. 

 If the roots be too dry it is obvious there must be 

 a resultant check to growth, through the inability of 

 the roots to gather supplies. The check may be slight, 

 and the cause of temporary duration, and soon rectified, 

 but a repetition of the error may follow several times, 

 till the plant gets into a thin, hard condition of growth 

 beyond li^pe of rectification, and consequently is 

 utterly unable to attain ultimate possible perfection 

 of bloom. 



In an opposite direction an excess of water leads 

 to saturation of the soil, which from lack of aeration 

 becomes sour, the roots fail in the proper performance 

 of their functions, and evidence of the same is soon 

 apparent in an unhealthy looking plant of a sickly 

 yellow color. Immediately after planting the utmost 

 care must be exercised and only the soil immediately 

 surrounding the plant need be watered. About two 

 weeks after planting will generally be soon enough for 

 watering the entire surface of the bench, and from 

 that time onward, water must be given as required, 

 and each time in sufficient quantity to wet the bed 

 of soil thoroughly throughout. The closest attention 

 to watering must be maintained, especially through the 

 hot weather in July and August, but as shorter cooler 

 days arrive, a diminished need will manifest itself. 

 Water at the root alone, however, does not suffice to 

 build up robust plants that will, later, be crowned with 

 noble flowers. 



During the heated period transpiration of mois- 

 ture from the leaves of the plant will be more rapid 

 than the roots can supply. To counteract or check this 

 excessive evaporation and to maintain from start to 

 finish a vigorous leaf growth, recourse must be had 

 to syringing and overhead watering, as well as for the 



