314 ROOMS. [Dec. 



flowering. We will here only remind the inquirer, that a 

 pure air and plenty of water, giving the plants frequent 

 sprinklings, are the present necessities, which only are 

 conducive to their perfection. 



Attend to the turning of Geraniums and other rapidly 

 growing plants, that all sides of them may have an equal 

 share of light. 



DECEMBER. 



As the trying season is now approaching for all plants 

 that are kept in rooms, especially those that are desired to 

 have a flourishing aspect through the winter, a few general 

 instructions (although they may have been previously 

 advanced) will, perhaps, be desirable to all those who are 

 engaged in this interesting occupation, which forms a 

 luxury through the retired hours of a winter season, and 

 with very little attention many are the beauties of vegeta- 

 tive nature that will be developed to the gratification of 

 every reflecting mind. The following is a routine of 

 every-day culture : 



Do not, at any time, admit air (except for a few mo- 

 ments) while the thermometer is below 35, exposed in 

 the shade. 



In time of very severe frosts the plants ought to be with- 

 drawn from the window to the centre of the room during 

 night. 



Never give water until the soil in the pots is inclining to 

 become dry, except for Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs 

 that are in a growing state, which must be liberally sup- 

 plied. 



Destroy all insects as soon as they appear: for the means 

 of destruction, see next month. 



Give a little air every favourable opportunity, (that is, 

 when the thermometer is above 35, exposed in the shade,) 

 by putting up the window one, two, or three inches, accord- 

 ing to the state of the weather. 



Clean the foliage with sponge, and water frequently 



