256 



THE FLOWER GROWERS GUIDE. 



year's work may be said to commence in growing the plants under notice. For what 

 may be termed the hottest plant stove, the temperatures may range from G0° to 65° by 

 night, and from 65° to 70° by day, though the highest figure may be exceeded by 10^ 

 with the aid of sun heat. In March the night temperature should be kept at about 

 65°, raising the heat to 70° on dull days, with an increase to 80° or 85° by sun heat. 



It is during this month when careless stoking or firing is liable to cause serious 

 mischief. The nights are frequently cold and rather hard firing is resorted to if the 

 temperature is to be kept up to its normal height ; but unless the precaution is taken 

 on bright mornings in checking the fires, a combination of fire heat and sun heat 

 will raise the temperature, and dry the atmosphere to a most injurious extent. One 

 result of this kind of over-heating is a bad attack of red spider and thrips, crotons in 

 particular losing many of their leaves and becoming stunted in growth in consequence. 

 Towards the end of March it may be found desirable to run down the blinds during the 

 hottest part of the day, a chink of top air also being given for about two hours, closing 

 early in the afternoon to box up some of the sun heat. Drawing the blinds down during 

 sharp frosty nights prevents radiation of heat and saves fuel. 



Late in April may see a further rise of 3° to 5° in the temperature all round, and 

 the ventilation and shading must be given earlier and taken off later, or, say, at about 

 3 p.m. If the day temperature reaches 90° no harm will result provided it is accom- 

 panied by atmospheric moisture. The air during this and the next month must be 

 changed principally through the top ventilators, currents of cold air through the front 

 sashes having an injurious effect upon the delicate plants with which it comes into 

 contact. 



Late in May the summer quarter may be said to commence, and a further increase 

 in temperature is safe and beneficial. The night temperature, with the aid of fire heat, 

 ought to be near 70° by night, though a slight variation either way, according to 

 external conditions, is not harmful. When the hotter weather of June and J uly is 

 experienced, from 75° to 80° by night will not be found too hot, and is preferable 

 to a lower temperature brought about by either an early cessation of fire heat or 

 excessive ventilation. Strong, healthy growth of plants will be further promoted by 

 the maintenance of a correspondingly high day temperature, this ranging from 75° to 

 85° or 90° with sun heat and air. With the aid of blinds or other shading material 

 it ought to be possible to keep the temperature at the figures named without opening 

 any side ventilators, unless there are sliding shutters under the front staging, so that 



