45 
generating the gas in a retort, the mouth of which should be 
fitted into their run with a little plaister. The following are the 
requisite ingredients. Mix four parts of iron hlings, and three 
parts of flowers of sulphur in a mortar with a pestle. Place the 
mixture in a convenient vessel and moisten it with four parts 
of boiling water, stirring it with a piece of wood or glass. Add 
gradually afterwards four parts more of water, and introduce it 
into a retort having a tubulare, or side opening. The retort, 
with its ingredients, should then be fitted to the run. After- 
wards pour upon the mixture, in the retort, through its side 
opening, common oil of vitriol, diluted with five times its vo- 
lume of water, and close the side aperture. The gas will escape 
and be diffused through the runs. When the effervescence 
ceases, add more of the diluted oil of vitriol ; and repeat this 
till no further effervescence can be produced. Should any of the 
gas escape into an apartment and occasion inconvenience, it 
may be removed by dropping a little sulphuric acid upon chlo- 
ride of lime, commonly called bleaching powder. 
83 Transmitted Plants. From the mismanagement of House 
Plants which have been transmitted a considerable distance, 
however carefully packed, some of the more delicate sorts are 
occasionally liable to perish, soon after their arrival. A little 
proper care bestowed upon them for a few days will prevent, 
to a considerable extent, this loss. Nurserymen, from their 
experience, know well how to select plants in such state of 
growth as are most likely to endure the vicissitudes of a 
journey, as well as the requisite mode of packing for safety of 
transmission: but frequently from the nature of the package, 
and various means of conveyance, the |)lants are, during their 
journey, nearly excluded both from air and light, and arrive at 
their destination, in a weakened state; unable, at first, either to 
endure the rays of the sun or a free current of air. By imme- 
diately placing such plants in full exposure in the houses, 
where they are to remain, many losses will oftentimes ensue. 
To prevent this, all that is requisite is, that upon being unpack- 
ed, the plants be placed in a part of the house w here there is no 
draught of air, but plenty of light; and where they will be en- 
tirely shaded from the sun. They should be watered but sel- 
dom, and it should be given in small quantities. In a week or 
ten days they will have so far recovered that they may be placed 
U3. AOCTABICM. 
