THE HELLEBORES. 89 



much heat under the circumstances here referred to, 

 and this plan is economical in every way as regards the 

 roots in both cases, which will improve year by year, as 

 each will give more flowers as it gets older. No pots, 

 and therefore no time for potting, will be required, 

 nor half the firing to excite them. If the sashes are 

 taken clean off and put away or used for Cucumber or 

 other frames during the summer, both the classes will 

 mature and the better develop flowering buds than 

 they would if the lights were continued on. 



In the beginning of November the old dead leaves 

 should be trimmed off, the surfaces of each cleaned, 

 and some little fine soil sifted over them, about half 

 an inch. At the end of the month commence a small 

 fire, but not too much ; give water if necessary, and air 

 too at first and on all mild days. As soon as the roots 

 begin to show flower, give some weak manure-water. 

 Sheep droppings well diluted may be given a few 

 times before flowering, but never too strong nor too 

 often. If frost appears the frames must be covered at 

 night, but not by day if it can be avoided, and in no 

 case allow the heat to get up too strong at night. 

 After a season or two many hundreds of the Christmas 

 Rose may be cut from such a bed, which will always 

 sell readily at a good price. 



THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE PIT. 



When a thing of some interest and profit strikes 

 anyone as this idea may do, the next thing is the ques- 

 tion, < What will it cost ? ' And as an answer, the 

 following estimate will be found very near the 

 mark : 



