Jan.] HOT-HOUSE. 137 



HOT-HOUSE. 



JANUARY. 



AT all times be very careful of the temperature of this 

 department, and more especially at this season of the year, 

 as a few minutes' neglect might materially injure many of 

 the delicate plants. The thermometer ought to range 

 between 55 and 65. In fine sunshine days admit a 

 little air by having some of the top sashes let down one, 

 two, or three inches, according to the weather, and let it 

 always be done from eleven to one o'clock ; but by no 

 means in such a manner as to cause a draught in the inte- 

 rior of the house, which would be very prejudicial. There- 

 fore, be always cautious during cold weather, in adminis- 

 tering that necessary element to vegetation, which is so 

 conducive to health. 



OF FIRING AND FUEL. 



The hot-house ought never to be left entirely to inexpe- 

 rienced persons, because they are not aware of what might 

 be the result of inattention even for an hour. Attention 

 to the following observations will obviate every difficulty: 

 About this season of the year frost generally sets in very- 

 severe in the middle states. Suppose the day may have all 

 the clemency of spring, the night may be directly the re- 

 verse. Every precaution is necessary to guard against 

 extremes. The shutters are put on every night at sun- 

 down, and, in severe weather, as soon as the sun goes off 

 the glass. If the shutters are omitted till late in severe 

 frost, it will so reduce the heat of the house, that you can- 

 not overcome it by fire until near midnight; and, when 

 done, the fire or fires hare been made more powerful than 

 they ought to be, proving ungenial to the plants that are 

 near the flues. The air, as above directed, having been 

 taken off the house at one o'clock, as soon as the mercury 

 begins to fall in the thermometer, kindle the fire, and, sup- 

 12* 



