54 
THE FLORIST. 
to keep up the temperature we have named, we rarely ever see a plant 
show fruit out of season. 
By the beginning of March ascertain how the roots are progressing, 
by turning one or two of the plants out of their pots ; if they want a 
little more stimulating fork over the beds, and add fresh leaves or a 
little tan, and replunge, renovating the linings at the same time; it is 
possible they may by this time require watering, for we scarcely ever give 
it during winter, as the potting in the autumn will serve the plants to root 
in, and the soil at this season keeps damp enough without watering ; but 
as the roots will have made progress by March, it will now be neces¬ 
sary. The day temperature may now rise a little with the increasing 
amount of light, and the night temperature should be gradually raised 
to 70° by April, at which time the pots in all probability will become 
filled with roots in healthy action, and therefore in order for taking 
another shift, which must now be into 10-inch pots. In shifting the 
plants from one pot to the other, remove only a very few of the small 
leaves from the bottom of the plant, and let the old ball be placed 
about li=r inch lower than the rim of the new pot, which will allow of 
an inch of the new soil over it. Pot firm, with the soil moderately 
dry. In plunging the plants considerably more room apart must 
be given them; and the plants should be brought up to within 18 
inches of the glass, and should not stand less than 20 inches apart 
each way—if 2 feet, so much the better; this will allow for the 
leaves to extend themselves and prevent drawing. A fortnight after 
potting water will be required, and onwards from this time will probably 
be wanted twice a week, but never water a plant unless you observe 
it to be dry, or in time it will injure it. The plants will now want 
syringing frequently overhead, particularly in bright weather, closing 
the house at the same time ; if the internal air rises to 90° or 
95° afterwards, it will help the plants. When the plants start 
freely into their summer’s growth, which will be early in May, pay 
great attention to the admission of air, a slow current should be pro¬ 
duced by opening the front and back lights at the same time, and this 
must be increased or lessened as the state of the weather permits ; it 
should never be allowed to rise higher than 83° or 85°, except, as 
before observed, when the house is closed after damping; nor should 
the temperature be allowed to fall below 70°. During May and part of 
June, as the weather is frequently cold, the linings should be kept 
up, and also covering by night till towards the end of May; unless the 
water is turned on the pipes to keep up a sufficient night tempera¬ 
ture without assistance; the bottom heat must likewise be increased 
to 90°. 
The plants will make very rapid growth after April; this is to be 
accounted for by the root progress they make through the winter. By 
giving them a pot late in the autumn and keeping them moving, the 
roots in the spring are in full activity, and the plant has obtained the 
strength to push into vigorous growth : whereas when Pine plants are, 
as it is called, wintered or rested —that is, kept cool at top and dry at 
their roots—they are miserably starved, and, having but little power to 
commence growing early, it takes them some time to recover them- 
