640 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



Good fibrous, turfy peat, of a sandy nature, is another requisite, 

 and when used should be broken into lumps with the hands. 

 For some plants, such as Anthuriums, it is desirable to remove a 

 quantity of the fine matter. This may be done by slightly 

 beating the broken lumps with a stick. 



Leaf-mould, ■ when obtained by collecting the leaves of Oak, 

 Beech, Elm, &c. (avoiding those of a poisonous nature, such as 

 Laurels), putting them in a large heap and occasionally turning it 

 over to sweeten it, is very useful for many plants. It is highly 

 important that it is sweet and free from fungus. 



Cow-dung, when well decayed, is a very safe manure to use 

 for plants that require a little stimulant. 



Coarse silver-sand is extensively used for striking cuttings 

 and for mixing in composts to keep them sweet and porous. 



Charcoal, in lumps, is another useful material for mixing in the 

 soil to keep it open, and for the roots of plants to cling to. 



Live sphagnum should have all the grass, leaves, and refuse 

 picked out before using. 



Cocoa-nut refuse is a clean and suitable material for hot-beds, 

 and for plunging plants that require bottom - heat (if hot-water 

 pipes are supplied to provide the necessary heat). 



Artificial manures are offered in abundance. Many of them 

 are of good quality, and are of great benefit if used judiciously. 



General Hints on Culture. — Stove plants should be 

 encouraged to make most of their growth during the spring and 

 summer months, when there is plenty of sunlight to develop 

 it. They should be repotted in the spring, just as they are 

 commencing to grow, and the heat and moisture in the house 

 increased. In repotting, clean, dry pots, with efficient drainage, 

 should be used, and soil in a proper state as regards moisture, 

 and sufficiently warmed to prevent chilling of the roots. In 

 ventilating, cold draughts must be avoided, and the ventilators 

 be closed as early in the afternoon as is consistent with safety 

 to economise the sun heat, which will be found to be 

 more beneficial to the plants than an indiscriminate use of 

 fire-heat. 



Watering. — The water used both for watering the soil and for 

 syringing overhead should be of about the same temperature as 

 that of the house. In watering give sufficient to wet the whole 

 ball of earth quite through, but be careful not to apply any 

 water unless required, or the soil will become sodden and 

 sour. Clean rain-water, is much the best when it can be obtained 

 in sufficient quantity; If well-water is used it should be exposed 

 to the air for some time beforehand. 



Shading. — During the bright days of spring and summer most 

 plants require a little protection from bright sunshine. For this 

 purpose a material called " hothouse shading " is made into blinds, 

 and fixed to rollers to cover the roof. Care should be taken to 



