Cleanliness. 209 



of rest, which commences after the growth is com- 

 pleted, and the new flowering bulb has been formed, 

 water should be, withheld from them, the moisture ex- 

 isting in a palm-house being sufficient to keep them 

 in good condition. Let them have only as much water 

 as is needed to keep the bulbs plump, increasing the 

 amount with their growth, and providing an abund- 

 ance when the roots are most active. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

 MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS. 



CLEANLINESS. 



Some one has called the Carnation the "Divine 

 Flower." Not only this, but all flowers reflect the love 

 of the Divine foreman, and for this reason, if no other, 

 their claim to cleanly surroundings is supreme. But 

 this is not the only reason, for both beauty and purity 

 are much enhanced by the exercise of this great virtue, 

 increasing the pleasures which form and fragrance bring 

 to our senses, as well as the corresponding value arising 

 from more perfect conditions of growth. 



The first step in this direction should be taken when 

 the crop in any house is to be renewed. After remov- 

 ing the old soil and repairing such parts of the bench- 

 ing as may need it, go over the whole ground surface, 

 sweeping thoroughly and removing any scattered soil 



