262 GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



drought, either from accident or negligence. In such cases, 

 as soon as the evil is discovered, an abundant supply of 

 water is at once given, the watering being repeated several 

 times in order to restore the drooping branches, but the 

 plant never does recover ; it is then turned out of its pot, 

 and pronounced to have been killed by watering, but this is 

 erroneous, for though the soU does appear saturated with 

 water, that is not the cause of death. The true cause of 

 death in such cases is the want of water, for in consequence 

 of drought the plant has had its roots killed, or so much 

 weakened that they are past recovery when the water is 

 given ; and it is in consequence of this absence of root-action 

 that the soil under the circumstances becomes saturated. In 

 watering, care should be taken that soft or rain water only 

 is applied to these plants, for hard water soon injures them, 

 and often causes them to cast their foliage. 



Ericas then (with a few exceptions) are tolerably easy of 

 culture. Different opinions are held respecting the proper 

 time for repotting. Our plan is to shift the plants soon after 

 they show signs of growing, and when this has been done 

 a little time we stand them in the open air, but it is best to 

 protect the pots from the sun, or the tender roots will be 

 destroyed. By this treatment a shorter, firmer growth is 

 obtained, and the wood is well ripened, thus ensuring good 

 flowers, and enabling the plants to stand the better in-doors 

 through the winter. About the end of September or the first 

 week in October it will be necessary to remove them to their 

 winter quarters, giving an abundance of air, but avoiding cold 

 draughts. It is very important not to apply fire heat, unless 

 to exclude frost, or to dry up the damp after a long succession 

 of wet or dull weather. 



Little more need be said here respecting the culture of 

 Heaths. They are not liable to the attacks of insects. The 



