OREEN-IIOUSE PLANTS Foli "WINTKi: BOQUETS. 



]1,(»\VERING TLANTS IN GREEN-IIOUSES TIIROUGH TIIK WINTER. 



BY WILLIAM CnORLTON, NEW liiaoilTON, STATEN ISLAITD. 



I>Y tbe complaint of your correspondent "Querist," in your October number, he 

 appears to be sorely disappointed with regard to the produce of his new green-house, 

 and after expending $800, that he has not been able to furnish his desires, of "having 

 cut flowers regularly for the center table." Now, we may well sympathize with those 

 enthusiastic amateurs who often deprive themselves of other luxuries to begin the 

 cultivation of flowers, more particularly when we see them going to the expense of 

 erecting glass houses for the reception of their fEXvorites ; and, under the circumstances, 

 it becomes a duty, owing to our own profession, to give a helping hand, that the dis- 

 appointed, in their first eftbrts, may not despair of success, or reluctantly turn their 

 attention away from this pleasing, ennobling, and instructive pursuit. 



In the present case, it appears to me that the above sum ought to have accom- 

 plished this little aflfair, if rightly appropriated, with proper culture added; and having 

 said thus much, it remains for me to show how it may be done. lie speaks of not 

 being able to afford two houses. Why not have a division-window inside ? Two 

 small houses in this style might have been plainly and substantially built for less 

 than the cost he mentions ; and one furnance, or hot-water boiler, if rightly con- 

 structed, would have answered for both. I have at present under charge, two houses 

 of this character, which are seventy-five feet long by twenty feet wide ; both are 

 worked to satisfaction with one of Hitchins' boilers, having a shut-off valve. In one 

 division is a general collection of green-house plants, and in which, by artificial heat, 

 is kept a temperature of 40° to 45° at night; and in the other, from 55° to G0°, 

 which is sufficient for most things, such as your correspondent will require, — in fact, 

 enough for almost any tender exotics that are cultivated. His want of success has 

 most likely occurred — first, from having only one temperature; and, second, by 

 keeping too dry an atmosphere, with too much heat for some of his plants,— the drop- 

 ping of the Camellia buds, for instance. Now, if he will put a glass division inside, 

 and adapt his heating apparatus so as to work one or both divisions, as may be 

 desired, he will have no occasion to despond as regards the convenience^, Of course, 

 proper culture and management is an essential requisite, without which, all the money 

 he may expend will not make up for the deficiency in this respect. 



There is also another consideration ; all houses for growing winter-flowers, ought 

 to face full south, or very few degrees east, or west, of that point, and be fully exposed 

 to the sun's rays. The plants also, should be kept as near the glass as possible. The 

 very best culture will be rendered neutral, so far as flowers are concerned, where these 

 requisites are not attended to. 



Another thing, is a judicious selection of those kinds of plants which bloom through 

 the winter months, choosing, as far ao may be, free, and long-continuing bloomer 

 Variety of color ought likewise to come in for a share of attention. Add to 



