PR A C TIC A L FLORIC UL T URE. 
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38. Give fresh air freely to plants newly brought into the house, opening windows 
and doors in pleasant weather for the first four or five days; the change is great to them, 
and if they are neglected in this respect their leaves will turn yellow and die. 
39. Remember that liquid manure is to be applied only when plants are growing; 
and that it is safest to administer it weak and often. 
40. Buy plants always from neighbors or well known growers: for the first are near 
to remonstrate with and receive explanations from if anything is wrong; while the 
latter will, through care for their own reputation, if for no higher reason, be likely to do 
you justice. 
41. Do not waste time and money on poor plants or cheap seeds; good ones will 
occupy no more room, and will give much more satisfaction. 
42. In house plants, pot the cuttings, slips or shoots, before the roots have grown too 
large; even a single root, half an inch or an inch in length, will be sufficient to insure 
success. 
43. If in doubt about the treatment of a plant, study its nature, habits, and wants, as 
described elsewhere. 
44. In cultivating plants, be mindful of the old adage, “ a stitch in time saves nine ”; 
and be assured that continual watchfulness is the price of the highest success. 
“What landscapes I read in the primrose’s looks, 
And what pictures of pebbled and minnowy brooks, 
In the vetches that tangled the shore! 
Earth’s cultureless buds, to my heart ye were dear, 
Ere the fever of passions, or ague of fear, 
Had scathed my existence’s bloom; 
Once I welcome you more, in life’s passionless stage, 
With the visions of youth to re-visit my age, 
And I wish you to grow on my tomb.” 
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