Damping
This is practised in all plant houses in summer, and in tropical houses at all times. It is absolutely necessary in these instances, and in most others where much fire heat is employed, to preserve sufficient moisture in the atmosphere for the well-being of the plants. The floor and walls of the majority of glass structures, especially forcing houses, may be frequently damped in spring and summer. Plants of tender growth bear much more heat with less ventilation when this is well attended to; undue evaporation from the leaves being also prevented. As healthy and free growth is materially affected by Damping, it becomes a matter of great importance towards good cultivation. It is not advisable to throw water over hot pipes; and, although its application frequently beneath or around plants may prove beneficial in dry weather in summer, it may be destructive in many cases to wet the foliage each time, especially when the sun is shining.