178 hot-house — observations. [September. 
Finally, wash all contracted foulness from off the pots, at 
the same time pick off any decayed leaves ; thus all will be 
in perfect order to take into the house. If any plants have 
been kept in the hot-house during summer, they must like- 
wise go through the same operation. 
OF taking in the plants. 
From the 16th to the 24th, according to the season, is 
the proper time to take in the hot-house plants. It is pre- 
ferable to have them what might be deemed a few days too 
early, than have them in the slightest degree affected by 
cold. 
Commence by housing the largest first, and those that 
stand farthest in the house, observing to place the most ten- 
der sorts nearest the heat or warmest part of the house. 
For observations on them, see May. In regard to arrange- 
ment, that must be according to the taste of the operator. 
We may observe, that in a small collection it is better to 
have them in a regular than in a picturesque form. A dry 
shelf is indispensable in this department for placing on it 
all herbaceous plants, such as Cdnna, Hedychium, Zingiber, 
Ksempferia, &c, the watering of which by this time should 
be gradually suspended, that they may have their required 
cessation to make them flower well. This shelf may be in 
any situation ; one in darkness, where other plants will not 
grow, will answer perfectly well. If there is a bark bed, 
do not until the end of December, plunge any of the pots 
therein: If any plants of the Poinsettla are in the ground, 
have them carefully lifted and shaded from the sun. 
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
The plants being now all under protection, they must 
have as much air as possible admitted to them every day, by 
opening the doors, front and top sashes, closing only at night. 
The syringings must be continued, and care taken that plants 
of a deciduous or herbaceous nature are not over-watered. 
The tuberous species might be kept almost dry. Some prac- 
tical men of sound science repot these plants in this month 
