688 GARDEN MANAGEMENT. 



giving enough, to cliill the roots ; a medium state, rather approaching dryness, 

 is better than the least overwetting, especally in frosty weather. 



2164- Seeds of radishes, lettuce, and small salading, may be sown any 

 time during the month, or any time in the winter. They will germinate 

 slowly, but may come in very useful in the spring ; the latter will be ready in 

 about a month. In frosty weather the protection of a mat will, in addition to 

 the lights, be sufficient protection for most of these things ; but if they become 

 frozen, do not expose them too suddenl}-. 



2 165. Garden-frames are very useful for protecting other plants than those 

 above named. Many plants, as pinks and pansies, stocks and chrysanthemums- 

 and indeed many plants generally accounted hardy, when planted in the 

 borders, will, when in pots, require the protection of a frame, or, if planted in 

 a bed of soil placed within the frame, they will flower earlier and stronger. 



2166. The treatment for violets has been given in full, — that of most dwarf 

 plants is very similar ; it is therefore unnecessai-y to repeat what has been 

 already said ; but I have often kept bulbs in cold frames, and found the plan 

 answer admirably. If spring-flowering bulbs are potted and placed close to- 

 gether in the frames, and covered with about four inches of light soil or old tan, 

 and left so till February, they may then be uncovered and exposed to the light : 

 they will then begin to grow and flower admirably. When plunged in this 

 way, they need not be uncovered until the time stated ; indeed, I have known 

 them flower best if not uncovered till they grow through the covering. 



§ 9.— Window-Gardening. 



5167. Window-plants now require to be carefully managea as regards ex- 

 posing them to the open air, and should be adapted to the time of the year. 

 Those who have evergreens for winter, besides flowering-plants for the sum- 

 mer, can manage to have the outside sills always furnished ; a few of the 

 former will be found very useful, as they are easily managed, and may be 

 placed in the north aspect in the summer, and brought forward in the winter. 

 The best probably are small plants of conifers ; that is, pines, cedars, and 

 cypresses : these always look neat, and may be kept small ; but other ever- 

 greens may also do very well. Aucubas, boxes, and others, — above all, 

 lauristinus, in dwarf bushy plants, are invaluable ; but then, when standing oa 

 a window-sill, the jDots containing the roots should not be exposed to frost. It 

 is a mistake to suppose they can stand it without injury : no plants can do so 

 to keep them in health. During the winter they must be taken inside oa 

 fi'osty nights, or plunged in moss or some such material. 



2168. Indoor plants should receive all the light that can be given them : the 

 circumstances of their position, the short days, &c,, tend to diminish it ; it 

 should not be diminished by placing the plants further from the glass than 

 can be helped. In watering, also, a little more caution must be exercised. 



