286 ON THE CULTURE 



to raise a kind of artificial dew, is in imitation 

 of these natural waterings. The frequent gentle 

 summer-waterings recommended in the foregoing 

 work, are also founded on the same principle ; 

 therefore theory, as well as practice, determines 

 that method to be the most eligible. 



Plants lately shifted into the pots, till their roots 

 get matted, do not require so much water as before 

 their shifting. 



Plants that are in large-sized pots, in proportion 

 to the size of the plants, do not require so much 

 water as plants that are under-potted. 



Plants that are in hard-burnt pots, made of strong 

 clay, do not require near so much water as plants 

 in pots less burnt, and made of clay with a good 

 proportion of sand intermixed. The latter are 

 greatly to be preferred. 



Plants in a vigorous growing state require very 

 frequent and gentle waterings. 



But plants with fruit and suckers upon them, re- 

 quire most of all. 



When plants are watered over their leaves, it 

 should be sprinkled upon them only till every part 

 is made wet, which may easily be distinguished, as 

 the water immediately changes the colour of them 

 to a sad green. As the leaves stand in different 

 directions, the best method is to dash the water 

 upon them backwards and forwards, on every side 

 of the bed. 



Summer- waterings should always be given late in 



