Repot plants into the next size in which they have been growing, but
remember that most plants bloom more quickly by having their roots
cramped in small pots. If you have any sickly plants, wash all the
dirt off the roots and give new soil and clean pots.
The best time for cutting flowers is immediately after sundown —
unless to preserve them from a storm, which would otherwise destroy
or prevent their being cut in the evening. On cloudy days the time
of cutting is a matter of much less difference. The explanation of
these rules as to the proper time for cutting is found in the state of
the sap at different times of the day and night. From the earliest
dawn until sundown the leaves are actively drawing upon the roots,
and the sap is flowing freely. After that time the leaves are nearly
dormant till morning. The plant is then resting — is asleep. A
flower cut in the sunshine will wilt at once, and if not put into water
will quickly perish ; whereas, if cut at sunset it will remain fresh all
night. In a cool place it will not appear to change for a long time,
even if not put in water, yet in a close, hot room it will fade in an
hour. In this connection, it must be remembered that no rose
should be allowed to expand fully before cutting. Cut them all
2/6 THE hearthstone; or, life at home.
while in bud. This rule may be apphed to every flower. It cost
the plant more to bring one flower to full maturity than to produce
a dozen buds. Therefore cut as soon as in condition, and cut them
all. To suffer flowers to fade on a plant, and go to seed, is to lose
nine-tenths of the whole crop. Freedom and generosity in cutting
flowers is the best and the truest economy.
Plants at rest are usually stored away under the benches, in the
greenhouse, or by amateurs under a flower-stand or in the cellar. It
is unnecessary to remove them from their pots. A period of six or
eight weeks' rest is generally allowed to fuchsias, crape myrtles,
lemon verbenas, and such shrubby plants.
To Preserve Flowers. — An excellent method for preserving
flowers consists simply in immersing them for a moment in melted
parafline, drawing them out quickly, and shaking them gently so as
to remove the excess. The flowers should be fresh-plucked and en-
tirely free from drops of water. The parafline must be heated only
enough to be liquid, as a greater degree of temperature would injure
the flowers. The flowers should be immersed one by one, and
shaken about somewhat so as to prevent the adhesion of bubbles of
air to the surface. This method was discovered by a celebrated
German perfumer, and is quoted as being a perfect one.
Page 179
Presented as published in 1883. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Repot plants into the next size in which they have been growing, but remember that most plants bloom more quickly by having their roots cramped in small pots. If you have any sickly plants, wash all the dirt off the roots and give new soil and clean pots.
The best time for cutting flowers is immediately after sundown — unless to preserve them from a storm, which would otherwise destroy or prevent their being cut in the evening. On cloudy days the time of cutting is a matter of much less difference. The explanation of these rules as to the proper time for cutting is found in the state of the sap at different times of the day and night. From the earliest dawn until sundown the leaves are actively drawing upon the roots, and the sap is flowing freely. After that time the leaves are nearly dormant till morning. The plant is then resting — is asleep. A flower cut in the sunshine will wilt at once, and if not put into water will quickly perish ; whereas, if cut at sunset it will remain fresh all night. In a cool place it will not appear to change for a long time, even if not put in water, yet in a close, hot room it will fade in an hour. In this connection, it must be remembered that no rose should be allowed to expand fully before cutting. Cut them all
2/6 THE hearthstone; or, life at home.
while in bud. This rule may be apphed to every flower. It cost the plant more to bring one flower to full maturity than to produce a dozen buds. Therefore cut as soon as in condition, and cut them all. To suffer flowers to fade on a plant, and go to seed, is to lose nine-tenths of the whole crop. Freedom and generosity in cutting flowers is the best and the truest economy.
Plants at rest are usually stored away under the benches, in the greenhouse, or by amateurs under a flower-stand or in the cellar. It is unnecessary to remove them from their pots. A period of six or eight weeks' rest is generally allowed to fuchsias, crape myrtles, lemon verbenas, and such shrubby plants.
To Preserve Flowers. — An excellent method for preserving flowers consists simply in immersing them for a moment in melted parafline, drawing them out quickly, and shaking them gently so as to remove the excess. The flowers should be fresh-plucked and entirely free from drops of water. The parafline must be heated only enough to be liquid, as a greater degree of temperature would injure the flowers. The flowers should be immersed one by one, and shaken about somewhat so as to prevent the adhesion of bubbles of air to the surface. This method was discovered by a celebrated German perfumer, and is quoted as being a perfect one.