FORCING DEPARTMENT. 386 



When the plants are all potted, and re-plunged, 

 the pit is kept close shut up until they begin to 

 make fresh roots, which will be in the course of 

 10 or 12 days, at this season, if there is a good heat 

 in the bed ; the lights may be opened for a few 

 minutes, about twice a week, to let any stagnant air 

 pass off that has collected. The plants are also 

 shaded from the mid-day sun whilst rooting, and no 

 water given until they are established in the mould, 

 which will be sufficiently moist at this season for 

 them to throw out roots in, and it is more advisable 

 to give rather too little than too much when the 

 plants are in a dormant state, and not fit to absorb 

 it. When the plants have thrown out a few roots, 

 a little water is given, and also a small portion of 

 air; and according as they proceed ingrowth, and 

 the season advances, these elements are gradually 

 increased, and frequent syringings over the leaves 

 are had recourse to, as well as occasional waterings 

 with liquid manure at the roots. The temperature 

 of the pit is increased to 70 degrees during the 

 nights, and allowed to vary from 80 to 90 degrees 

 in sunshine. The dung linings are regularly at- 

 tended to, and fresh dung added, to keep up the heat 

 to the above degree in the bed. By the middle of 

 June, these plants will have made a rapid progress, 

 and have filled their pots with roots ; and require 

 now to be shifted into larger sized ones ; but very 

 carefully, least the leaves, or roots, in the re-potting, 

 be broken or injured. The bed is likewise turned 

 over, so as to renew the heat, which is kept very 

 moderate at this season. The Pine appears to grow 

 3 D 



