April.'] 



HOT-HOUSE — REPOTTING. 



145 



Where plants of the dwarf 3fusas are intended to be 

 grown for fruiting, they must have particular attention in 

 repotting as they grow; about the first of the month will be 

 a proper time to begin : copious waterings are daily required 

 when they are in a growing state. Their soil is No. 12, 

 with one portion more manure. For farther detail^ see May. 



APRIL. 



Where the hot-house has been properly conducted, the 

 plants generally will have a vigorous and healthful aspect. 

 An error frequently arises in the conducting of these de- 

 partments, by inexperienced operators, being ambitious of 

 outstripping their competitors. They keep the house in a 

 very high temperature, and admit little or no air. Where 

 such a mode has been pursued, the plants will have got over 

 their first growth, and the foilage looks yellow and decaying; 

 thus throwing the plants into a state of inactivity, when na- 

 ture herself commences her most active movements. The 

 temperature should not be under 55° in the night, nor much 

 above 75° during the day, without admitting a little air by 

 the top lights. It will not do yet to give air by the front 

 sashes, the wind being cool, and a current in the house 

 would be hurtful. The sun is not so powerful, but the heat 

 can be kept down by the air given from above. 



Hot-house or tropical plants will not materially suiFer with 

 100° of sun-heat, provided they are not very near the glass; 

 but such an extreme would be injurious to practice. 



REPOTTING. 



Where there is a general assortment of the Cactae tribe, 

 and kept in this department, now is the proper period to 

 give them a general repotting. Of all the tropical floral 

 productions, there is not a family more curious, grotesque, 

 interesting, and beautiful than this; and, what still more 

 enhances their real value, they are in this country of the 

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