MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 281 



sheltered, standing at twenty-eight degrees ; and although I had several Gera- 

 niums left in the house (the best having been placed within doors), nut one of 

 lliem appears to have been injured. Under the flower-sJuge is a large open tank 

 ol water, supplied frum the roof; I mention this as there is a common prejudice 

 in favour of the effect of water placed near anything lequired to be protected 

 from frost. I have known a farm servant place a pail of water near potatoes; 

 anil the reason given for the proceeding was, " liecause the frost will go to the 

 water," In this, as in many other cases, the fact may be correctly observed, 

 however absurd the reason or inferences; and I think it quite possible that my 

 open tank of water, either by preventing the atmosphere withiu the greenhouse 

 from being deprived of all its moisture, or from some other and unknown causes, 

 m,iy have preserved my Geraniums in a temperature four degrees below freezing, 

 and when ice had formed in a pan of water left on the stage. Can any of your 

 readers give us any information on the point, if so, an early communication of 

 it will oblige 



Cornwall. February 17, 1843. A. B. C. 



On Charcoal. — How am I to use charcoal in mixing it with a compost to 

 pot in ? 



A Learner. 



[Break into small fragments about the size of a horsebean. — Conductor.] 



On Woodi.ice. — I have a small forcing-house heated by fire flue, and bark 

 pit to place plants in. I am troubled with woodlice ; how am I to get rid of 

 them the easiest and most effectual way, so as not to disturb the tan in which 

 several of my plants are rooted ? 



[Put a cold boiled potato into a small pot, and cover it loosely with moss; 

 place this trap in the coiner of the bed which the insects most frequent, A few 

 of these traps would soon reduce their numbers if they were looked to every morn- 

 ing, and all the insects collected in them destroyed in boiling water. — Con- 

 ductor.] 



On Trop2eoi.i/m Tubers. — Would you be kind enough to favour me in what 

 manner the I)u11m of the Tropaeulum Jarratti and tricolorum are to he started ; 

 two roots, one of each, were bought of a nurseryman last month, and the puts 

 containing the roots are plunged in a melon frame, but neither of them are started 

 as yet, although they have been there full a month. 



Does the Gesnera Zebrina require much heat and wjter, or not. An answer 

 in next month's Cabinet will much oblige 



Totness, June 17. A Twelve Months' Subscriber. 



[The tubers of Tropacolum require rest; if those obtained had not had it duly, 

 they then push very tardily ; we have had some which did not push under six 

 weeks or two months. It sometimes occurs that tubers are damaged at the 

 crown, and rendered abortive, and though for years keep sound yet cannot push. 

 The Gesnera Zebrina does well with us in a warm greenhouse, but better with a 

 higher temperature. When it is growing it requires to be kept moist, not wet. 

 — Conductor.] 



On Sowing Seed of Pentstemon SfECiosuM. — Having saved seed of Pent- 

 gtemon speciosum, when and how am I to sow it, and what course tu take with 

 the young plants. A list too of some of the best kinds, with an early reply will 

 oblige 



December 7, 1842. Lucy. 



[Sow the seed in a pot, just covering it with light fine sifted soil, placing it 

 in a cool frame or greenhouse. Keep the surface just moist; when the plants 

 are strong enough, take them out with all the small roots possible, and pot into 

 sixty-sized puts, well drained, and early in May turn out into the open border. 



