Chap. XY.] WINTER GARDENS. 243 



The Palms for a winter-garden ought to be kept in pots up to 

 the period Avhen their leaves divide and show their character, and 

 their stems become at their base as thick as a man's arm. They 

 must not be put in the ground before this, nor until they have 

 been frequently repotted and kept as much as possible in a warm 

 greenhouse where the pots have been plunged in tan. They 

 should be repotted twice a year, in spring and summer, when their 

 growth is rapid, without cutting the roots, and in deep narrow 

 pots. A warm atmosphere, somewhat shady, but without stagnant 

 moisture, is best suited to Palms when young. 



A great number of the plants will remain uninjured in the cool 

 winter-garden if frost is kept out ; but it is better, as has been 

 already said, to keep up the winter temperature a little over the 

 freezing-point ; and even when the sun strikes upon the glass 

 raising the temperature, it will not be necessary to open the 

 house at all during the winter. After February, however, when 

 vegetation is getting active, it will be necessary to give air 

 gradually, and in the evening, to give water. In March we must 

 begin to shade with some light material up to the time that we 

 can uncover the greater part of the conservatory, and perhaps 

 place some of the plants in pots or boxes in the open air. As to 

 the great Palms and Tree-ferns, Dracaenas, Aralias, etc., they 

 will be better slightly shaded throughout the year, taking care to 

 give plenty of air. Where it could be done easily, it would be 

 desirable to remove the roof and allow the contents to be refreshed 

 by the summer rains. Plants easily moved, and of fine habit, 

 may be removed to the open garden, where they will be more 

 enjoyable during the hot months than in any house ; many of 

 them are all the better for making their principal growth in 

 the open air. Thus managed, with plenty of water and a 

 proper amount of shade, it is very possible to develop beautiful 

 tropical vegetation in such a structure. 



As for Orchids, hothouse Ferns, and other stove-plants, which 

 do not bear the temperature of the conservatory without injury, 

 an arrangement might be readily made by which they also could 

 be enjoyed in this structure. A conservatory heated to stove- 

 temperature would be unpleasant to many, while the heat of the 

 temperate house is agreeable to our senses. The best way to 

 secure means for displaying tender Orchids and other plants in 



