November.'] CHOICE CARNATIONS, &c. 129 



CHOICE CARNATIONS, PINKS, PANSIES AND AURI- 

 CULAS, 



That are in pots, should be placed in the frame intended 

 for their abode during winter. If the pots are plunged to 

 the rims in dry leaves or saw-dust, it will greatly protect 

 their roots from the severe effects of frost. Where glass 

 is used for these frames, they should have besides a cover- 

 ing of boards or straw mats ; those that are in beds may be 

 covered as above directed for Primroses, &c. 



They ought not to be uncovered while in a frozen state. 

 It is not altogether the intensity of cold that destroys these 

 plants so much as the alternate thawing and freezing. 



All half hardy plants, such as Wall-JJower German 

 stocks, Sweet-bay, tender roses, with several others, should 

 be protected as above directed for Carnations. Earth or 

 tan should be put round the outside of these frames, which 

 will be a partial shelter from the changing state of the atmo- 

 sphere. Oak leaves answer the purpose very well, but 

 they are a harbour for all kinds of vermin, especially rats 

 and mice, which would destroy every thing. It may be 

 useful to say a few words on the nature of tan or tanner's 

 bark. Many suppose that the smallest quantity will pro- 

 duce heat. If three or four cart loads of it are put into 

 one heap, and protected from the rain, it will ferment; and 

 when the first fermentation is abated, by mixing it with 

 leaves, a substantial hot-bed may be made, or put it by itself 

 into a pit ; and, when there is no pit, boards may be sub- 

 stituted to keep it together : either of these methods will 

 produce a lasting heat. But in small quantities, and ex- 

 posed to rain, &c., no heat will be produced, but rather the 

 contrary. It is excellent, when dry, in keeping out frost 

 from any plants ; being a body not easily penetrated, simi- 

 lar to dry sand, saw-dust, or dry leaves. Frequently the 

 same opinion is held in regard to stable manure, small por- 

 tions of which will never produce heat. 



