NOTES ON WINTER GARDENING. 97 



kind of crop grown. Roses and other hard wood plants will 

 stand frequent spraying, and it is well to have the surface of the 

 soil moist in the case of melons, cucumbers, etc. Some others, 

 however, thrive best when the surface of the soil is kept dry, 

 so with the latter it is well to force the water to the bottom of 

 the bed in a solid stream, while with the former the thin spray 

 is desirable. 



e. The Sunlight: — There is a marked difference in plants, 

 even though closely related, in their ability to stand sunlight. 

 The melon, for instance, will thrive in the strongest sunlight, 

 while the cucumber, which is closely related, also tomatoes and 

 lettuce do better if the roof is slightly shaded during the bright 

 days of spring. 



The ill effect of direct sunlight is shown in the "burn" of 

 lettuce and cucumber plants after a few days of cloudy weather. 

 The bright sunlight dries the atmosphere of the house quickly 

 and, according to Galloway, the rapid transpiration causes the 

 breaking down of the tissues. The amount of sunlight is con- 

 trolled by the use of shades or rollers or more often by paint- 

 ing the roof. A lime white wash applied with a spraying pump 

 is often recommended. This, however, is a temporary expe- 

 dient as the lime soon washes off. A little salt added to the 

 white wash will greatly increase its adhesive quality. In our 

 own practice we generally use a thin paint of white lead and 

 naphtha, and apply it with a brush. This wash is more dura- 

 ble than the other, is neater, and if not too thick, is readily 

 removed with a cloth or scrubbing brush whenever desired. 



f. Insects and Fungi: — The confined atmosphere and high 

 temperature of the green house seem specially favorable to the 

 development of insects and fungous enemies. One of the most 

 common insect enemies is the aphis or green fly, so called. 

 To meet this enemy tobacco smoke is the best weapon. The 

 house should be thoroughly fumigated at least once a week. 

 Trays containing moistened tobacco stems placed upon the 

 steam pipes are sometimes used with good effect. 



Snails and slugs are also troublesome. These may best be 

 met by liberal applications of lime and by making traps by 

 placing boards or pieces of potato around in various parts of 

 the house and by hand picking. One of the most common 



