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ON THE MANAGEMENT 



but this must be adjusted according to the state of 

 the atmosphere, since, in moist weather, the hu- 

 midity of the air, in a great measure, answers the 

 purpose of watering. Give plenty of air at all 

 times, but especially in a fine day, when, if there 

 be not much wind, the glasses should be entirely 

 taken off. If the glasses be kept too close, the 

 want of a sufficiency of free air will cause the 

 plants to grow tall and long-jointed ; and it is for 

 the same reason, that the plants ought not to make 

 too rapid a progress in the fore part of the summer, 

 it being far more desirable that they should grow 

 robust and strong, which they are more likely to 

 do with a gentle, bottom heat, and when a sufficient 

 quantity of free air is admitted. 



If the weather should prove favourable at the 

 end of May or beginning of June, the plants will 

 require as much free air as possible; and, therefore, 

 the covering should be entirely omitted, except 

 when there may be an appearance of frost at night y 

 and even then, the glasses should not be shut 

 down close. 



Should any of the plants appear weak and un- 

 promising at this season, viz. about the middle of 

 June, I generally cut them down to the lowermost 

 eye ; and then they will, by the assistance of a 

 hot-bed, strike freely and rapidly, and produce 

 strong, straight, and vigorous shoots ; and, by 

 proper care and attention, the wood may be brought 

 to a tolerable degree of perfection even after this 

 season. 



