178 THE HOT-HOUSE. [Feb. 
others not quite so much; therefore, when there is the convenience 
of different apartments in a long range of hot-houses, all may be 
suited according to their respective necessities. 
Let it be observed, that all tender plants which are kept in pots, 
the succulent tribe excepted, thrive much better when plunged in 
the bark-bed; but the tallest-growing kinds must be planted in a 
border of suitable earth, near the back wall, to give them the 
greater scope for extending their heads. 
All these kinds of plants should be kept remarkably clean from 
dust, or any sort of filth that may gather upon their stems, shoots, 
or leaves; and such ought always to be washed off as soon as it 
appears. There is nothing more necessary than cleanliness to 
preserve the health of plants; and where foulness is permitted 
upon any of them, it will not only close up those small pores 
which are so necessary to the growth of all vegetables, but will 
also render the whole plant unhealthy, which seldom fails to invite 
insects, and to increase them prodigiously in the house. 
These plants must also be kept very free from decayed leaves; 
that is, when any such appear, let them be immediately taken off. 
Water should also be given to all these plants at times; some 
will require but very little and seldom, and others will need it 
pretty often. Therefore, let good care be taken that every plant, 
according to its nature, be properly supplied with that article; but 
be sure never to give any sort too much at a time; and in giving it 
always make a distinction between the succulent, the herbaceous, 
and the woody kinds. 
The latter will need water oftener, and more at a time, than 
either of the former; for some of those require very little moisture 
about their roots, and too much would rot the plants. 
Let the woody kinds in general be moderately watered not less 
than once or twice a week; and it will be serviceable to sprinkle 
water sometimes all over the head or branches of these plants, 
especially the coffee tree, the pimento, or allspice, and all the 
tender Mimosas. 
But the succulent kinds, such as the cactuses, mesembryanthe- 
mums, aloes. Euphorbias and the like, must not be watered oftener 
than once a week. 
In watering these kinds let care be taken to give but little at 
each time, just suflicient to reach the bottom roots. 
It will be an advantage to all these tender plants, both of the 
woody, succulent, and other kinds, when the surface-earth in the 
pflts casually crusts or binds, to stir and loosen it lightly a small 
depth. 
Mmit Air. 
Fresh air should now be admitted to the pines and other plants 
in the hot-house at all times when the weather will permit. 
But this, however, must only be done at this season, when the 
sun shines warm, and the air is quite calm and clear; then it will 
be proper to slide some of the glasses open a little way, in the 
warmest time of the day, particularly the roof-lights, shutting all 
