Although I write from a climate putting a severe test on fire heat in its relation to plants, owing to the long duration of its winters, some of my remarks may apply to those more favorably situated than we are. The length of time we have to submit to artificial heat without any ventilation makes it a point of consideration how far nature will bear this without detrimental effects. I am no admirer of strong fire heat for many plants now subjected to it, but find in many cases that a more moderate temperature is better. To argue that fire heat and sun heat are two different things, as regards plant growth, would be unnecessary. Every plant grower must be aware of that. The one is accompanied by a dull cloudy sky, the other with light and natural heat so beneficial as seen in all flowering plants. Little sun, few flowers, is the general rule.

My argument is that there are many plants subjected to this forced heat because they are from a tropical climate, and will endure no other, live, and be in health. My experience has taught me a different lesson. I shall not enumerate the many cases in which I have practiced with most favorable results. I will leave these trials for persons themselves to find out. One point I may remark is, that much of the success will depend on the manner in which water is applied. Those plants must not be deluged with water so as to make the soil cold and clammy. The soil used in this state must not be of a close binding nature, or your trials are sure to be a failure. No more water must be applied than just sufficient. The oft repeated "drain-perfectly" must be perfect. One thing has proved to me, that if a plant is much subjected to insects, this change will greatly ameliorate that condition. What I prefer is, to grow my tropical plants in the summer, and then retain their beauty through the winter months. Continued forcing has a weakening effect. Take the lower temperature plants, and subject them even to their native temperature by the fire heat, and you will soon see how they will succumb to all sorts of disease and insects.

There is no doubt but the great outcry so frequently heard is caused by overstraining nature's ability to perform her functions quicker than she is able properly to mature them. Evergreens are nearly always treated as ever-growers, due respect seldom being paid to a resting season. In a climate such as ours, where our houses may be said to be hermetically sealed for at least five months of the year, with no possibility of ventilation under our present system of ventilating, opening ventilators causing cold draughts from the outside, would destroy any thing in close proximity to them, and above all things to be avoided.

An excessive night temperature is probably the greatest drawback. In many instances where no night fireman is kept, in cold weather strong fires are made up late in the night, so as to retain heat enough until morning. When this fire burns up, a high temperature is attained, but by morning it is down to almost freezing. Some will tell you nature often does this very same thing, but I don't think they would consider it favorable to vegetation. A strong night temperature I have a great aversion to. Plants should have a quiet time of rest during the night, or exhaustion must follow. All climes, as far as I am aware, show a decrease of temperature in a greater or less degree at times.

Then I say, avoid as much as possible this overstraining fire heat, and you will find the advantage of it in the end; remembering that much of your success will depend on the care you take in watering. I may be thought conflicting with the florists whose great aim is to supply the market with flowers, regardless often of the duration of plants, or with the propagator who must have heat to enable him to be successful. My aim is only intended for those who grow plants for the decoration of their homes for permanent beauty. Supt. Gov. Grounds, Canada.