24 



THK rUACTICAL GARDENER. 



Tlie quantity of water required to produce a sufficiency of 

 steam, depends on a variety of local circumstances, such as the 

 size of the house, the way in which the water is put on the 

 flues, But it may be safely asserted, that more than is 



necessary is often used when it is poured on them by random, 

 or done in too hurried a manner. In steaming all sorts ol 

 hot-houses, as w^ell as in their whole management, it can only 

 be expected to be well done when the operator feels an interest 

 or pleasure in doing it. A few minutes more spent in applying 

 it regularly and leisurely over the whole surface of the flues, 

 will do much more good than sluicing a liogshead of water 

 over the house in a careless manner. 



VENTILATION. 



During the winter months very little ventilation is required 

 in these structures, for, unless the house be unusually well 

 glazed, and in complete rej)air, a sufliciency of fresh air will 

 find its way into it between the laps of the glass, and other 

 openings. Indeed, greater care should be had to the exclusion 

 of cold air during winter, than to its admission. The plants 

 are, for the most part, (as observed above,) in an inactive state; 

 and, therefore, not in want of those gasses which compose cer- 

 tain parts of atmospherical air, and which arc found so neces- 

 sary for them when in a growing state. 



INSECTS. 



The destruction and prevention of insects should be always 

 before the eyes of the cultivator, who is ambitious of healthy 

 and fine plants ; during winter there are some species of them 

 that make their appearance, or are probably permanently on 

 the plants. Carefully examining plant by plant, and leaf by 

 leaf, is the only sure and effectual method of getting rid of 

 them ; it is often objected that such a method is tedious, but 

 let it be recollected that if so, it is sure, and time can better be 

 spared during bad weather for this purpose, at this season, 

 than at any other. Many boasted remedies have been puffed up 

 for the total suppression and prevention of them, but when re- 



