Mai/.] GREEN-HOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 1061 



only from the surface of the mould in the pots, but also from 

 their outer surface all round. 



A saving of watering would also be obtained, and the tem- 

 perature, as well as humidity at their roots would be kept 

 more regular, and of course in fitter condition for the roots to 

 live in. During wet weather this covering might be removed, 

 either partially or entirely, and repla-ced when more dry and 

 warm. Damp situations will of course be unfit for either of 

 these modes ; but let it be also remembered, such situations 

 are unfit for plants to stand in, even although placed on the 

 surface. Coal-ashes or pebbly gravel would be good strata to 

 plunge plants in, as in either there would be but little fear of 

 their roots suffering from damp. Those who prefer the present 

 practice of standing them on the surface, should prepare it 

 for them by laying a floor of finely-sifted coal-ashes or gravel, 

 smoothly rolled down, on which to stand the plants, as either 

 will form a dry bottom for them, and, to a certain extent, pre- 

 vent worms from getting into the pots ; a circumstance to be 

 carefully guarded against. Some collections are arranged upon 

 wooden stages, as was formerly exemplified in the gardens at 

 White Knights ; but this practice is objectionable, inasmuch 

 as the pots are far too much exposed to the action both of sun 

 and wind, and the mould in them can seldom for any length 

 of time be kept in any degree of uniform moistness ; a cir- 

 cumstance of evident injury to the plants. Such as are tall, 

 and likely to be blown down by winds, or other causes, should 

 be supported as well as the nature of the case will admit ; for 

 this purpose, the London nurserymen run a system of cords 

 in different directions, supported by neat rods, through their 

 beds of green-house plants with very good effect ; and when 

 the plants are bushy and fine, the cords are noi much seen. 

 In arranging plants in pots, some little degree of taste should 

 be displayed, but not of tliat cast so often met with, of ar- 

 ranging them in geometrical forms, which, like similar figures 

 in flower garden clumps, have always a stiff and formal ap- 

 pearance. Irregular figures should be preferred, and an irre- 

 gular outline of surface should also be attended to, and not 

 that stiff shorn sameness of outline which has been the prac- 

 tice for above a century. Fine specimens should be placed in 



