18 ‘THE AMATEURS’ GUIDE 
for keeping under insects, and to cleanse the leaves, it may at 
times, however, become necessary. All watering should be done 
in the evening, or early in the morning, unless it be confined to 
‘the roots. In which case, plants in a growing state may be 
watered at any time, if the earth be removed from the surface 
to the depth of four or six inches, and a bowl formed around the 
plant. Pour the water in the bowl, and as soon as it settles, 
replace the earth, which will prevent the ground from baking, 
as is usually the case where the ordinary method is resorted to. 
When applying water to the tops or leaves of plants, the rose 
of the watering-pot or the syringe should be employed. 
