MONTHLY CALENDAR. 689 



Plants are less able to appropriate it now than in warmer weatlier ; it is there- 

 fore more Hkely to stagnate. Examine the drainage, and see that it is suffi- 

 cient to carry off all surplus water, and allow no dead leaves to mould and 

 disfigure the plants. Plants having ornamental foliage will be found very 

 useful ; they furnish a variety sufficient to satisfy all tastes and conveniences, 

 and many of them are very suitable for window-culture. Farfugium, grande 

 has been already mentioned : it does well in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, 

 and will always carry a good foliage under ordinary management. 



2169. Centaurea gymnocaiya is a white silvery-leaved plant, which, when 

 properly grown, assumes a palm-Uke habit, and always looks well. C. ragu- 

 iina is another sort of equal merit. Cineraria maritima, otherwise known 

 as Dusty Bob, is somewhat similar, and is often grown as a window-plant. 

 These and some others of like character will bear the ordinary temperature of 

 the season, and require no more than the mere protection of a dwelling-room. 

 Those who possess a plant-case like that invented by Miss Maling can ascend 

 still higher, and add Caladiums, some of which are very beautiful. Tra- 

 descantias, dracsenas, begonias, &c., may receive a place, and will be found 

 exceedingly ornamental. Many orchidous i:)lants of singular habit may also 

 be suspended within the case, and will have an admirable effect, as those can 

 testify who have seen these cases exhibited at the horticultural shows. 



2 170. There are again many plants valued for their peculiar scent. Numerous 

 species of geranium possess a very agreeable scent ; several sorts of diormas, 

 the lemon-scented verbenas {Aloysia citriodora), balm of Gilead [Draco- 

 cepkahcm canariense), may be grown as window-plants requiring no particular 

 treatment beyond what can be given in a window. 



■2171. Some plants, again, are valued for the scent of the flowers. Among 

 these, gardenias stand conspicuous. The best is easily grown as a window- 

 plant. Magnolia fuscata is beautifully scented when in flower, and is a hand- 

 some plant when not in bloom. Those who value plants for this quality should 

 have a good supply of hyacinths and narcissus to flower in March and April. 

 It is not too late to get them, provided it is done early in the month. 



2172. Chrysanthemums will now be in bloom. In order to make them last 

 as long as possible, let them not be kept close or damp ; give plenty of fresh 

 air ; water with weak liquid manure. Let them have a little sun morning 

 and afternoon, but not enough to make them flag. 



2Y 



