216 ON TREATMENT OF STOVE TLANTS IN WINTER. 



those cases in horticulture for which rules may he laid down, but 

 not wholly without exceptions, and must entirely rest on the judg- 

 ment of the cultivator. Steaming the stove during winter is a 

 material feature in the best management of such plants, and should 

 be scrupulously attended to, both to soften the atmosphere of the 

 house, as well as to prevent the increase of insects, particularly the 

 red spider, which is sure to make its unwelcome appearance in a 

 high and dry atmosphere. The most eligible time for steaming the 

 house is in the evening, when the flues are hottest, and it is per- 

 formed by pouring water on them, which generates steam readily. 

 In time of severe frost, this operation may be performed during the 

 day, or dispensed with for a few days altogether. The quantity of 

 water required to produce a sufficiency of steam depends on a variety 

 of local circumstances, such as the size of the house, the way in which 

 the water is put on the flues, &c. ; but it may be safely asserted, that 

 more than is necessary is often used when it is poured on them by 

 random, or done in too hurried a manner. In steaming all sorts of 

 hot-houses, as well as in their whole management, it can only be 

 expected to be well done when the operator feels an interest or 

 pleasure in doing it. A few minutes more spent in applying it regu- 

 larly and leisurely over the whole surface of the flues will do more 

 good than sluicing a hogshead of water over the house in a careless 

 manner. During the winter months very little ventilation is required 

 in these structures ; for, unless the house be unusually well glazed, 

 and in complete repair, a sufficiency of fresh air will find its way into 

 it between the laps of the glass and other openings ; indeed greater 

 care should be had to the exclusion of cold air during winter than to 

 its admission. The plants are, for the most part, (as observed above,) 

 in an inactive state, and, therefore, not in want of those gases which 

 compose certain parts of atmospherical air, and which are found so 

 necessary for them when in a growing state. 

 September lbth, 1840. 



