84 
ladies’ flower gardener. 
in proportion as the leaves are so ; and this is one of the reasons 
why delicate-leaved plants are not so well adapted for house cul¬ 
ture as those which have the leaves larger and firmer. 
Light has also a considerable effect in promoting the healthy 
action of leaves, and many plants fold up their leaves in the dark, 
or even when the sky is lowering. This, though it has no resem¬ 
blance to sleep in animals, has been called the sleep of plants, 
and the curious reader may find an interesting notice of it in the 
“ Amoenitates Academicae” of Linnaeus. 
THE SUPPLY OF HOUSE PLANTS. 
There are many ways of doing this ; but to those who have 
the opportunity, and choose to be at the expense, there is, per¬ 
haps, none better than that of contracting for the year with some 
skilfull and respectable nurseryman ; in this case the plants will 
be attended by the contractor, and kept in the best condition. 
Much pleasure is, however, sacrificed by those who adopt this 
mode, inasmuch as the chief enjoyment of plants arises from The 
feeling that they are the nurslings of our own care ; and it is 
astonishing how strongly the judicious treatment of plants leads 
to judicious management in all other matters. 
Plants, except such as are novelties and sought only by the 
curious, may always be had at moderate prices from respectable 
growers. Covent Garden furnishes an abundant supply for Lon¬ 
don, and those who are not so particular may have them of the 
hawkers. In dealing with these ^people, some care is however 
necessary ; very many of the plants which they offer for sale are 
thrown away or stolen, and in both cases they are taken up with¬ 
out any regard to the preservation of the roots, and thus there is 
a considerable chance against their success. Those injured plants 
are made to look healthy for a little time by means of an over 
