PRESERVATION OF PLANTS. 
736 
by vermin, poultry, &c. and fiom jtlie habit which idle people some¬ 
times indulge in, of breaking or pulling the leaves, branches, or flow¬ 
ers. Where such a favourable disposition exists, a strict attention 
to the following rules will ensure a complete success, and the greatest 
proportion of the plants will arrive at their destination, in a thriving 
and vigorous condition. 
1. It is proper to keep the chests uncovered the greatest part of 
the day in fair or moderate weather, particularly during gentle rains, 
or if these should be heavy, or of long continuance, until the plants 
have been sufficiently refreshed. In very hot weather their lids 
must be alternately shut up. It is extremely important that the 
chests should remain open at night also, and this rule ought always 
to be attended to in fair weather, provided that the plants are not 
thereby exposed to the attacks of rats and mice, &c. 
2. It is obvious, that the plants require to be watered frequently, 
but at the same time it must be observed, that too much moisture 
would do as much harm, as too little would; the safest plan is this : 
to give them water only when it is found that they stand in need of 
it, and the best time for so doing is the evening. The quantity must 
in a great measure be regulated by the state of the weather, though 
not exclusively. They want much less in a cold than in a hot cli¬ 
mate. If care is taken to keep the chests shut up during the hottest 
part of the day, less water will be requisite, than otherwise. When¬ 
ever the leaves and branches look drooping and relaxed, especially 
towards the evening, (for in hot climates they will generally appear 
in that state in the middle of the day,) and if the earth appears dry, 
it is a sign that a little water is necessary ; and the best mode of ap¬ 
plying it is, to pour or sprinkle it over them in such a manner, that 
the branches and leaves, as well as the earth, may become gently 
moistened. It ought to be a general rule, never to let the plants get 
water oftener than once a day, and not to give any at all, if the earth 
appears quite wet. 
3. Directions where to place the chests to the greatest advantage, 
depend on the size and accommodations of the ship, and can only 
be given in a general manner by observing, that they should be shel¬ 
tered from strong winds and burning sunshine, as far above the reach 
of the sea, as is compatible with the care and vigilance, which they 
require; and that day-light, as well as a free circulation of air, are 
indispensably necessary for the preservation of the plants. The 
Poop, above or near the entrance to the cabin, answers generally 
best. The importance of preventing salt-water from reaching the 
plants, has been repeatedly hinted at above: indeed too much pre- 
