254 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



diverting it to where it is more wanted. For this purpose ordinary throttle valves are 

 suitable, but for entirely shutting off water from the boiler, screw-down valves are 

 the best. As these are, however, somewhat expensive, they are seldom employed other 

 than near boilers. 



Coating Pipes. — The pipes generally ought to be coated with a paint made by mixing 

 common vegetable or lamp black with boiled oil, adding a small quantity of painter's 

 driers. This is done to prevent the iron pipes rusting, and it also improves their appear- 

 ance considerably. Coating them with tar, as is sometimes ignorantly done, is ruinous 

 to plants. 



Eain or soft water is much the best for filling boilers and pipes, as hard water is 

 liable to leave a lime deposit, which impedes the working of the apparatus. The incrus- 

 tation may eventually prevent the water coming into contact with the boiler plates, 

 with the result that these* are burnt through in a short time. Especially is soft water 

 desirable in the case of tubular boilers, the tubes most exposed to the heat quickly 

 becoming blocked if hard water be used. 



Means ought always to be provided for emptying boilers and pipes as often as 

 may be needed, both in case of repairs and for flushing the tubes and drawing off 

 deposits before they become solidified. 



STOYE MANAGEMENT. 



Stove plants, or those from tropical regions, require much more heat and moisture in 

 the atmosphere than do greenhouse plants, but with these essentials provided, they are 

 really more easy of culture. What is also greatly in their favour is the fact that the 

 majority of heat-loving plants are of free, and many of rapid growth, in this respect 

 affording a marked contrast to the hard-wooded sections of greenhouse plants. The 

 requirements of the many and various occupants of plant stoves, of necessity, vary con- 

 siderably, and the particular needs of important kinds will be embodied in cultural 

 details ; but first, a few obstacles to success applicable to all may be pointed out — low 

 temperature ; dry overheated atmosphere ; dryness at the roots of plants, more especially 

 during the growing season ; over- watering those newly repotted and others plunged 

 in moisture-holding material ; failing to afford shade at one time, and giving too much 

 at another ; neglecting to keep the plants free from insect pests— are all frequent causes 

 of failure, therefore each of them must be constantly guarded against. 



