DOMESTIC GARDENING.— No. 1. 
heat to be applied to the cuttings, correspond with that in which the parent plant had grown ; this 
is the plainest rule by which the temperatui'e suited tx> the cuttings may be comprehended. If the 
cuttings are inserted in a temperatm'e by which an unusual degree of excitement is produced in their 
organs, the stimulus given to the system by the heat will cause it to expend its organized matter iu 
the production of leaves and the elongation of the stem. By the appHcation of the temperatm-e 
natural to the constitution of the cutting, the organized matter would descend to form roots ; but by 
the unnatui'al excitement of an increased temperature, it would be forced to ascend to expand the 
buds into leaves, and thus to become expended in the atmosphere above ; at the same time, in conse- 
quence of the absence of roots, no supply could be produced from below to support the increased 
demands of the leaves and stem. The result of this is speedy death. 
With a proper degree of heat, moisture is a very useful assistant for the growth of cuttings. It is 
by the moistm-e that sm-rounds them that their vital action is maintained, and this action aided by the 
stimulus of light produces organic matter — that nutritious material, which serves for the development 
of the whole plant. 
It is when the cuttings have produced aU the organs of a plant, that an increase of bottom heat may 
be advantageously given. The stimulus being applied at the proper time, in conjunction with the other 
conditions — light and moistui'e — the cuttings progress rapidly to the development of a perfect jjlant. 
The last condition, and one of great importance, is to have the soil in which the cuttings are inserted 
weU drained. In that state the atmospheric agents and aqueous vapom* have free access to pass and 
re-pass the absorbent or root end of the cutting, and are ready to supply it with food when needed. 
Water stagnating at the root end of the cutting, and atmospheric influences excluded by stiff and 
impervious soils, will produce that black gangrene — the death of cuttings. 
DOMESTIC GARDENING.— No. I. 
By Mr. J. SPENCEE, C.M.H.S., Gardener to the MARauis of Lansdowne. 
I HAVE lately built me a grape-house, what kind of Vines ought I to plant in it ? said an amatem- 
friend to me one day. What kind of house do you advise me to build for Vine-growing ? \vi-ites a 
second. A third is anxious to try Ms hand at Pine-growing, if he had only a few plain hints how to 
grow them ; while the number of parties building plant-houses, pits for Melons, Cucumbers, and various 
other things, as their taste leads them to prefer, is wonderful. Such being the case, I think I cannot 
better fulfil the object of this publication, than by commencing a series of papers calculated to meet the 
requii-ements of so important a class, who have, at present, no guide to follow, sufficiently plain for 
them to understand. 
My first object wUl be to show such persons the cheapest and most eligible forms of houses in 
which Fruit and Flowers may be grown ; the mode of constructing them, and their after-management ; 
while the formation and management of Fruit and Vegetable Gardens will afterwards be fully explained. 
It is my wish to render each part of my subject sufficiently plain and explicit to be understood by all, 
however limited their present knowledge of gardening may be, and such as will enable them to manage 
then- favourite hobby, without encountering those many failm-es, which have so often thro-mi a damp on 
theii- labours, and been the cause of theii' giving up in despau' one of the most rational of recreations. 
Let me add — I hope the information these papers may contain will be the occasion of fresh recruits 
joining the ranks of cultivators, and the means of disseminating a love for gardening among all who 
can indulge in the pleasure, aye, and profit, too, it affords. 
It will at once be obvious, that these remarks are addi'essed to the consideration of those who manage 
their own gardens ; but in these times of retrenchment and economy, I question whether there is not 
much to be learned in respect of the more economical erection of glass-houses by gardeners themselves, and 
whether it will not be found that houses capable of growing eveiy description of Fruits and Flowers in 
the greatest perfection, may now be erected for one-thu'd the sum they usually cost.* 
In commencing with detailed methods of erecting glass-houses suited to the wants of domestic 
gardeners, my great object will be simplicity of construction, entailing a consequent economy in the 
after-management. Subsequent papers will contain plain and ample instructions for managing the 
many and various productions which help to supply the wants, and afford a means of recreation and 
amusement to the domestic gardener. 
^ of coui'se these remarks do not apply to houses erected for architectural effect. 
