Feb.] THE HOT-HOUSE. 479 
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 ap- 
pears. There is nothing more necessary than cleanliness to pre- 
serve 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, accord- 
ing 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-trees, the pimento, or all-spice, and all the ten* 
Mimosas. 
But the succulent kinds, such as the Cactuses, Mesembryanthe* 
mums, Aloes, Euphorbias and the like, must not be watered of- 
tener than once a week. 
In watering these kinds let care be taken to give but little at each 
time, just sufficient 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 
pots, casually crusts or binds, to stir and loosen it lightly a small 
depth. 
Admit 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 close if the 
weather changes cold and cloudy, and always in proper time in the 
afternoon. 
