18 4 Queries and Ansiioers to Queries. 



been some time in Egypt ; he observed, that the heat of the sun was so 

 intense, that no one would have thought that any vegetable could have 

 existed under it ; yet, in the night, it is so cold, that blankets and thick 

 covering are necessary to defend the soldiers in camp, or whoever are ex- 

 posed to it. In the West Indies, also, very great difference of temperature 

 is experienced between the day and night. Now, both these stations are 

 the habitats of many of our stove plants ; and it is but natural to ask, why 

 it is thought necessary to give them, in our stoves, a warmer atmosphere 

 than they are accustomed to at home ; and why need we be at more expense 

 in wasting fuel, to give more heat than such exotics require? It appears 

 that nocturnal rest is necessary for vegetables as well as animals ; and, pro- 

 bably, we may err in denying that which nature has intended. — G. Feb. 21. 

 1828. 



We recommend the above enquiries and remarks to the consideration of 

 our readers, and shall hope to receive the opinions of some of thern on these 

 subjects. In the mean time, we shall just state, for G's satisfaction, what 

 occurs to ourselves by way of answer. 



To facilitate the cleaning of brick-built flues, without at all disturbing 

 the work within the house, the flues are continued through the walls 

 against which they abut, both in front and at the ends. Slabs, either of 

 Yorkshire or other stone, with a staple and ring, are made to fit the exterior 

 apertures, and, when in their place, are bedded with mortar, so as to be 

 perfectly smoke-tight. When the flues become foul, withdraw these stones, 

 and the whole range of the flues is open, to be swept by a bush fixed to 

 the middle of a long rope, by which it is pulled backwards and forwards. 

 In this manner the flues are expeditiously cleaned, without going within the 

 house, or soiling the plants ; and, should any part of the flues be crooked, 

 a flexible rod will easily reach it, and so cleanse the whole. Should, how- 

 ever, G., or any other proprietor, have much difficulty in constructing 

 the flues in the way above described ; or, when altered, should they be 

 still imperfect, as devouring fuel without sufficiently heating the house ; 

 we would strongly recommend the new mode of heating by water, which 

 is at once a safe, cleanly, and economical plan. Several tradesmen, whose 

 names appear as our correspondents, will furnish estimates, with well 

 authenticated testimonials, as to efficacy, &c. &c. 



With respect to the opinion concerning the low temperature which tro- 

 pical plants are subjected to, in their native climates, and the depriving of 

 them, by our methods of cultivation, of that which seems intended for 

 them by nature, a very few words may be added. We cannot deny that plants 

 receive an annual as well as a diurnal rest, whether they require it or not. 

 They are only subject to influences which surround them. It is difficult to 

 say whether the different positions of the leaves of wing-leaved plants, so 

 often observable in the day, as well as at night, are an effort for pro- 

 tection, or the languid cessation after the excitements of the day. Some 

 plants grow most rapidly in the night ; and many that ai'e drooping all the 

 afternoon recover at sunset, not to take rest, but to develope themselves 

 with increased vigour. 



But, however this may be, we must not forget that, from the moment we 

 take one of these foreigners into our care, it becomes a new being. Our 

 artificial management is very different from what it would receive in its 

 native bed ; we nurse it up, to answer the purpose we have in view regard- 

 ing it ; we may wish to see its flower, or enjoy its fruit ; for this purpose we 

 must " force as well as defend," and, therefore, cannot, and indeed ought 

 not, to follow nature so closely as mere abstract reasoning might seem to 

 direct or approve. In fact, one half of the art and mystery of gardening 

 consists in correcting the exuberance, opposing the tendencies, and chang- 

 ing the qualities of almost all the plants we have in cultivation. — J. M. 

 for Cond. ^ 



