April] HOT-HOUSE — REPOTTING. 145 
Where plants of the dwarf Musas 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 foliage 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 suffer with 
100° of sun-heat, provided they are not very near the glass; 
but such an extreme would be injurious to practise. 
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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