10 



GUIDE TO THE CONSERVATORY. 



box is filled with cuttings, give a good watering to 

 settle the earth, and cover the bottom of the box 

 with water three inches deep. 



When frames are used, the cuttings must be 

 struck in dung heat : for this prepare your dung, 

 which must be fresh, if stable dung the better ; 

 throw it up into a heap, shaking and mixing it well. 

 When the rank vapours are passed off, which will be 

 in about fourteen or eighteen days, proceed to make 

 your bed ; when it is four feet in thickness at the 

 back, and three in the front, put on the frames. Lay 

 on fresh saw-dust eight inches thick, and make it firm 

 to prevent the steam rising too rapidly ; then put on 

 the lights. The next day you may fill the frame with 

 cuttings, providing you give air by putting down 

 the lights one or two inches when the heat is risen. 

 This strong heat is very beneficial to succulent 

 plants ; but the shrubby varieties had better be put 

 in when the heat has a little subsided. I shade at 

 all times from the powerful rays of the sun. 



ON HYBRIDIZING. 



Hybridization is the art of producing mule plants. 

 This process is performed by first removing the 

 pollen from the stamina before it arrives at its 

 greatest state of perfection, that no union may pre- 

 viously take place between the stamina and pistil. 

 When the flower is at full maturity, remove the 

 pollen from the plant with which you wish to cross 



