MULCHING, SHADING-, AND WATERING. 



245 



also, in general require less the artificial application of 

 water than annuals. The growth of the former is merely 

 suspended by dry weather for the time being, to be re- 

 sumed when moisture is supplied; but if water and the 

 food of which it is the vehicle be withheld from annual 

 plants, the double tax imposed upon them by nature of 

 forming both roots and shoots at the same time, can no 

 longer be met. Growth being suspended, the plant at- 

 tempts to flower and ripen seed, and thus, while imper- 

 fectly developed, it reaches the limit of its existence and 

 dies. 



Plants with fleshy or fibrous roots are impatient of 

 abundant waterings, yet do not well resist drought. 

 Bulbous and tuberous rooted plants, and those with fleshy 

 leaves, can support drought a long time and do well with 

 rare but abundant waterings. Germinating seeds and 

 young plants should be watered lightly but frequently. 

 In a state of free growth, water abundantly; while ripen- 

 ing fruit, water rarely; when transplanting, water freely. 



The lighter the soil, the more frequent and copious 

 must be the supply of water. When the tefcnperature in 

 summer becomes elevated and the days are clear and the 

 atmosphere dry, and evaporation increases, while rains 

 become less frequent, water must be given more co- 

 piously; for at such times mere sprinklings bake the soil 

 and do more harm than good. 



When at rest, as in the winter of temperate climates 

 and in the dry season of the tropics, very little moisture 

 in the earth is required by perennials, except marsh 

 plants. Bulbs in a state of rest will endure almost any 

 amount of dryness, and may even be exposed to excessive 

 heat, somewhat resembling, in this respect, a ripened 

 seed. Bulbs that have been kept dry for some time, when 

 again to be started into growth, should receive but little 

 water at first. If much is given, it will be absorbed with- 



