March."] HOT-HOUSE -OF CLEANING, &c. 199 



bined roots, previously putting a few small pieces of broken 

 pots, or clean gravel, to drain off the superabundant mois- 

 ture, and give light waterings, as the roots in this case will 

 grow but slowly. 



Top-dress all that require shifting, probe out the soil 

 down to the roots, and by the side of the pot, taking care not 

 to break the fibres ; then fill up with fresh earth, watering 

 gently with a rose on the watering-pot to settle it. 



OF CLEANING, &c. 



If any of the plants require cleaning, either by fumigation 

 or otherwise, let it be done before the young foliage ap- 

 pears, according to the directions heretofore given. Like- 

 wise tie neatly all that require it, clean arid top-dress those 

 that will not be shifted, having every plant, and all in the 

 green-house, in perfect order before the throng of spring 

 commences. The weather will now admit, in very fine 

 mornings, of the plants being syringed, which may be done 

 between seven and eight o'clock; and the path or pave- 

 ment should be washed out once a week, which is a great 

 improvement to the appearance of the whole interior. 



In winter when any glass is broken, it should be imme- 

 diately mended. Broken glass in cold nights causes a very 

 destructive current of air. It should always be made water 

 tight, for if the drops fall into the pots upon the roots, they 

 will frequently prove fatal to the plants ; therefore care ought 

 to be taken during rain to remove those that stand in any 

 manner exposed. 



MARCH. 



THE plants in this compartment will begin to assume a 

 different aspect, and air must be admitted every day if 

 practicable, giving large portions in sunshine by the sashes 

 regularly over all the house, opening those of the front a 

 little, and likewise the doors in fine mild days. To per- 



