Care of a Greenhouse 



diminish the light. If it is a greenhouse which requires 

 shading, the best method is to put on a blind which can 

 be rolled up and down at will ; and the best form of 

 blind is undoubtedly that formed of laths, and which is 

 known as the lath-roller blinds. They may be found more 

 expensive at first but they last much longer, are less 

 troublesome, and therefore in the long-run much cheaper. 

 Frames are best shaded by " tiffany " or canvas rolled on 

 a stick. Another method of shading is to use a mixture 

 known as summer-clouding painted evenly over the glass. 

 A permanent shading of this sort is not at all to be 

 recommended where moveable material can be employed. 

 Shade only when really necessary : overshading is harmful. 



Ventilation. 



A greenhouse needs airing in order to allow the plants 

 therein their due quantity of fresh air, and is quite as 

 necessary with plants as with animals. The only difficulty 

 arising is the regulation of it so as to suit the occupants 

 of the house. Where a house is set apart especially for 

 the culture of one kind of plants, such as carnations, ferns, 

 begonias, vines, &c., it is not so difficult to ventilate for 

 their benefit, as when there is a whole mass of miscellaneous 

 matter requiring different attention. Here as in other 

 phases of gardening it is well-nigh impossible to lay down 

 rules which can be considered absolute. A few may be 

 mentioned. Ventilate sparingly on foggy days and during 

 wet, cold weather. During hot weather give full air. Do 

 not allow the wind to blow straight in on the plants. Do 

 not open the top ventilators when very windy. Commence 

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