86 ON THE WINTER TREATMENT OF GERANIUMS 



you a few remarks on the winter treatment of a class of flowers now 

 so fashionably and extensively cultivated. 



The latter end of September, or the beginning of October, as the 

 state of the weather may be, after the plants and pots are carefully 

 examined that no slugs, &c, are attached to them, the top soil re- 

 placed by fresh and being gently Watered, they are put in the green- 

 bouse, where they receive every possible air that can be given in mild 

 weather by opening the windows and door ; as the winter advances, 

 and the rain and cold increase, fire will be found sometimes neces- 

 sary. November and December with us in the west are the worst and 

 most unhealthy months in the year. The weather being generally dark 

 and damp, and the plants being of a sappy tendency, they suffer 

 much, consequently when any thing approaching to mildew appears 

 on the stalks of the leaves, a moderate fire is raised to dispel the 

 moisture of the air; this is done in the morning with free ventilation, 

 and the fire is allowed to go out before closing the house for the night, 

 confined heat when the air is damp being injurious. During this 

 damp season, where there is so little sun to dissipate the moisture, 

 great care is requisite in not giving the plants an overwatering ; it is 

 advisable to give little and frequently whenever they may require it. 

 With respect to the means of protecting the plants from frost, but a 

 slight degree of heat is necessary, except in very severe weather, as 

 has been experienced this season when fires both night and day are 

 necessary, during which time the fires will occasion a degree of dry- 

 ness, which quickly exhausts the juices of the plants; steaming the 

 flues therefore at such a time is most material for the well-being of 

 the plants, and ought to be attentively adhered to by softening the 

 atmosphere of the house; this steaming is performed by pouring 

 water on the tiles of the flues, which quickly generates steam : the 

 quantity of water required to produce a sufficiency of steam depends 

 much on the size of the house. 



There are many methods of heating greenhouses, hot water is 

 assuredly most efficient, and the plan within these few years, intro- 

 duced by Mr. Corbett, is certainly deserving of every patronage ; but 

 those persons who cannot go to the expense of having such an 

 apparatus will find steaming the flues of paramount advantage. 



