The Greenhouse and Frame 
215 
mometer rose higher and higher, from 6o“ to 65°, and up 
to 75°. Being afraid to admit the frosty air, the door 
between the stove and greenhouse was opened. This had 
little effect, and the thermometer rose to 85 . In des- 
peration the top ventilators were opened, to prevent the 
plants from being destroyed by the heat, as was thought. 
The consequences would have been very serious had not 
an experienced gardener come and shut up the house, 
putting the plants right, and the writer at his ease, with 
regard to the sun heat on houses (which is only temporary), 
and the danger of admitting frosty air into a w'arm house 
filled with tropical plants. 
Watering plants is another serious matter to the be- 
ginner, and requires careful attention. One hears gar- 
deners saying how seldom they get men who thoroughly 
understand this all-important operation. However, if we 
go to the root of the matter, and find out the principles 
underlying the practice of watering, we shall be better able 
to water our plants successfully. 
First of all, it is common knowledge that plants require 
water, just as we require it, to drink, though the follow- 
ing incident will show that everyone does not know this 
elementary fact. A lady visited a nursery in a country 
town, and purchased a beautiful heath in full flower. About 
a week afterwards she brought it back, the points of the 
shoots hanging limp, and apparently in a dying condition. 
She asked the nurseryman why the plant should look like 
that, and on his telling her that all the plant required was 
water, she said: “Why didn't you tell me that it required 
water?" Of course such ignorance is not general. 
When the young gardener begins watering, he is 
