THE HELLEBORES. 89 
much heat under the circumstances here referred to, 
and this plan is economical in every way as regards the 
roots in both cases, which will improve year by year, as 
each will give more flowers as it gets older. No pots, 
and therefore no time for potting, will be required, 
nor half the firing to excite them. If the sashes are 
taken clean off and put away or used for Cucumber or 
other frames during the summer, both the classes will 
mature and the better develop flowering buds than 
they would if the lights were continued on. 
In the beginning of November the old dead leaves 
should be trimmed off, the surfaces of each cleaned, 
and some little fine soil sifted over them, about half 
an inch. At the end of the month commence a small 
fire, but not too much ; give water if necessary, and air 
too at first and on all mild days. As soon as the roots 
begin to show flower, give some weak manure-water. 
Sheep droppings well diluted may be given a few 
times before flowering, but never too strong nor too 
often. If frost appears the frames must be covered at 
night, but not by cay if it can be avoided, and in no 
case allow the heat to get up too strong at night. 
After a season or two many hundreds of the Christmas 
Rose may be cut from such a bed, which will always 
sell readily at a good price. 
THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE PIT. 
When a thing of some interest and profit strikes 
anyone as this idea may do, the next thing is the ques- 
tion, ‘ What will it cost?’ And as an answer, the 
following estimate will be found very near the 
mark :— 
