THE CARXATIOX MAXUAL. 147 



the darkest and dullest months of the year, that 

 some artificial heat should bo necessary. Air 

 they must have on all favourable occasions, and a 

 winter temperature of about 60^. This is needful 

 to growth and bloom, and with air judiciously 

 admitted, the plants do not become drawn. 

 Watering is also a matter of the first importance. 

 They require a good proportion of moisture, as 

 they have a heavy task set them. Care must 

 be taken that the soil is moist not merely upon 

 the surface, but to the bottom. When water is 

 applied a good soaking should be given, and its 

 temperature should not be below that of the house 

 where the plants are growing. 



Some helpful stimulant is of great service when 

 they are coming into flower. The safest and most 

 advantageous is liquid-manure apphed once a 

 week. Fresh cow-dung and soot are the best 

 materials. In applying liquid-manure it should be 

 in a clear state, and diluted according to its 

 strength. 



In the case even of the best-managed collections, 

 green-fly will be certain to put in an appearance, 

 and it is a very persistent pest. Fumigation with 

 tobacco-smoke is perhaps the best remedy, but if 

 necessary the plants should be dipped in a solution 

 made of four ounces of soft-soap to one gallon of 

 water, to which half-a-pint of tobacco-juice should 

 be added, and the whole mixed well together. 

 K 3 



