100 ORNAMENTAL WINTER AND SPRING FLOWERING PLANTS. 



draughts must be carefully excluded ; and to prevent the inju- 

 rious effects of these, when it is necessary to admit a large 

 volume of air, the ventilation should be so arranged that the 

 current shall come in contact with the surface of the pipes or 

 flues before it is diffused amongst the plants. Under artificial 

 excitement it is especially necessary that they be liberally sup- 

 plied with air, or they will not so well endure the removal to 

 where their beauties are to be exhibited, nor will their flowers be 

 so fine, either in size, colour, or durability. 



Water. — Under this head I must say a few words on liquid 

 manure, which is useful either in stimulating the progress of free 

 growing plants, or in assisting them during the development of 

 their flowers, especially when the pots are very full of roots; 

 taking care, however, not to use it too strong or too often. For 

 the purpose first mentioned, twice a-week is ample ; and for the 

 latter, once a-week should never be exceeded. The liquid which 

 soaks away from common farm-yard manure, with some soot 

 added, is the cheapest : but if such is not attainable, recourse 

 must be had to guano. One pound of genuine guano to 30 

 gallons of water, and some soot (say a spadeful), tied up in a 

 piece of coarse cloth to prevent it from swimming on the surface 

 of the water, will make a liquid manure fit for any gross-feeding 

 plant. In recommending soot I feel certain that, although little 

 cared for, it is one of our best manures ; and, as insects perish 

 where it is employed, it is also valuable on this account. In 

 using the guano and soot-water, draw it off as clear as you can 

 get it, for if used in a turbid state it leaves a very unsightly 

 sediment on the surface of the soil. With regard to the general 

 watering of plants a few suggestive hints may be given ; but to 

 know when water is necessary and when it is not, requires con- 

 siderable experience. A judicious waterer must have the exact 

 present condition of the plant before his " mind's eye ;" this will 

 include not only the state of the soil as regards moisture, but the 

 activity or dormancy of both top and root ; and whether it has 

 been recently potted, or is much in need of it. All these points 

 require careful consideration ; and as the situations in which 

 different plants flourish in their native climes include every 

 variation, from the arid desert to the stagnant marsh, the culti- 

 vator must take every means of informing himself of their 

 natural habits, that he may proportion the supply of water ac- 

 cordingly. 



I could scarcely adduce a more potent argument than this for 

 showing the advantage to the Horticulturist of an acquaintance 

 with the laws of Vegetable Physiology. This study not only 

 gives him correct notions of the structure of plants and the func- 

 tions of their several organs, but it aids experience in teaching 



