244 
THE AMATEUR’S KITCHEN GARDEN. 
All the plants suitable for forcing will derive immense 
assistance from a genial bottom heat, and the pots should be 
partly or wholly plunged in the hot bed. Some amount of 
judgment must at all times be exercised in plunging the 
pots, because on the one hand there is a risk of the roots 
being injured by an excess of heat, and on the other of their 
not receiving the full benefit. If .the temperature of the bed 
does not exceed 7 0 degs. and is not likely to go any higher 
when the plants are brought into the house, the pots can be 
at once plunged to within an inch or so of the rim without 
the least danger of the roots being injured. But should the 
temperature be in excess of 70 the pots must be partly 
plunged or be stood on the surface of the bed, according to 
the extent of the excess, and whether the heat is on the in- 
crease or decline. 
Temperature and Humidity. — The temperature of the 
house, technically termed top-heat, must vary somewhat ac- 
cording to the state of the weather outside and the character 
of the principal portion of the plants with which the house is 
filled. Speaking in a general way, it should range between 
60 degs. and 70 degs. ; but if the weather happens to be very 
severe, it may fall to 55 degs. without injury to the plants. 
In many instances, especially wdien a considerable number of 
plants have just been brought into the house, it will be 
desirable to allow a little fall. This, however, is. a matter 
which must to a certain extent be left to the discretion of the 
cultivator. 
A moderate degree of humidity in the atmosphere is of no 
less importance than a genial temperature and a brisk bottom 
heat. This can be produced by occasionally pouring water 
upon the floor, sprinkling the walls, hot-water pipes, and sur- 
face of the bed, and by syringing the plants. The tempera- 
ture of the water poured upon the floor or sprinkled on the 
walls on each side of the pathway is of no consequence what- 
ever, but that with which the surface of the bed is sprinkled 
and the plants syringed must be of the same temperature as 
the house, or a few degrees higher. Tepid water must also be 
used for watering, as a chill to the roots, such as would be 
caused by the application of cold water, is injurious. The 
ventilation of the forcing house must receive careful attention, 
for although the plants will not require much air, the 
ventilators must be opened a little way, whenever the weather 
