120 
OPERATIONS FOR JUNE. 
in light soil, they might be transplanted anywhere, and at any epoch of their 
growth, with the greatest facility. 
Lupines, Hollyhocks, and a variety of tall-growing herbaceous plants, must, in 
order to preserve them against subsequent heavy rains, or violent winds, be imme- 
diately and effectively supported with stakes. Nothing tends more to create a 
slovenly appearance than the neglect of this operation, and no excuse will exonerate 
the cultivator from the disgrace it entails. We can always determine the keeping 
of a garden by this simple circumstance, and obtain some notion of the gardener's 
taste. In passing a band round a simple stem, but particularly when it embraces 
more than one, every leaf should be left perfectly free, and the natural habit of the 
plant strictly maintained. In fact, its erectness, and the regular arrangement of 
its stems or branches, must be attained without disclosing any of the agents in the 
work, otherwise it might almost as well have been left to casualties. Heat and 
moisture are the great desiderata in the stove and orchidaceous house during the 
present month. Those who consult only their corporeal convenience, adopt every 
practicable measure for reducing the temperature of these houses in the day ; but 
excessive heat is positively demanded for most species. By rendering the air per- 
petually humid, it is almost incredible to the unobservant how T striking a difference 
is occasioned to the human feelings. And when it is added that such a condition, 
is precisely that in which the plants most luxuriate, the propriety of the practice 
will not be doubted. A dry air is always oppressive to animal life, and is only 
desirable for vegetation when it is likewise cold, and vital energies are dormant. 
It being much easier to retain atmospheric humidity when shade is afforded, and 
most tropical plants flourishing best in a lightly shaded spot, a canvas covering- 
should also be provided in the glare of the day. Ventilation is further necessary 
to purify the air, and a trifling degree of it will even be occasionally essential to 
repress and regulate the heat. 
For the greenhouse, light, air, and water, are the chief requisites. In watering^ 
the syringe should be very freely used, at least every alternate evening, and 
due care must be taken to guard against the supply being merely superficial, since, 
from the hardness of the surface, it sometimes escapes down the sides of the pots, 
without ever penetrating the soil. 
