APPLICATION OF WATER. 



239 



boxes, which is certainly the most eligible plan, there is much less danger 

 in faUing into either extreme, and the evil, should it even exist, is much 

 easier rectified. Frequent watering by the application of the syringe is 

 }>eneficial in a twofold light : it imitates both rain and wind, first by 

 refreshing and cleansing the foHage and branches, and by the movement 

 which the force of the water causes, strengthens and invigorates the 

 shoots and stems. During summer, this species of watering should be 

 applied twice or thrice a week, and during winter, in mild weather, once 

 a week or fortnight. Much has been said upon the advantages of intro- 

 ducing perforated pipes through the roof for the purpose of suppMng 

 water to the leaves and branches ; but, however beneficial or economical 

 this plan may be when used in large houses in which tropical plants are 

 grown, certain it is that the same beneficial effects would not be realised 

 in any house in which plants of more temperate climates are cultivated. 

 In respect to the majority of tropical plants, water can scarcely be given 

 in too great abundance, because it is accompanied with a proportional 

 degree of heat ; but the case is wholly different with greenhouse and 

 conservatory plants, which are more often injured by an excess than by 

 a want of that element. 



For the proper distribution of water over the leaves and branches of 

 Conservatory plants, it will be necessary to be provided with a small port- 



able water engine, and those of John Reads, 35, Regent's Circus, Piccadilly, 

 111 ay be recommended \^'ith confidence. The annexed figures represent 



