February."] HOT-HOUSE OF INSECTS, ETC. 145 



sun is more powerful. An inch or two on a tew of the sashes, 

 as has been previously observed, will be effectual in keeping 

 the temperature low enough. 



With regard to firing, what was said last month may sufficc- 

 for this. Always recollect that it is more preferable to keep 

 out the cold than to put it out. It will frequently happen in 

 the time of intense frost that the weather is dull. In such 

 cases, fire in a small degree is requisite all day. 



Heavy snows ought never to be allowed to remain on the 

 shutters while they are on the house. If the snow lies on the 

 sashes one day, the internal heat will dissolve some of it; 

 night coming on, will freeze it to the wood-work, when it will 

 become a solid mass, and frequently cannot be separated with- 

 out much damage. If allowed to remain on for two days, the 

 plants are very much weakened and the foliage discoloured. 

 Therefore, let the snow be cleared off" instantly, that no incon- 

 venience may take place. 



It will be observed that plants absorb more water this month 

 than last. The quantity given will require to be increased, 

 according to the increase of vegetation and the advancement 

 of the season ; but never give it until the soil begins to dry, 

 and then in such proportion as will reach the bottom of the 

 pot. The best time to water is after the sun has got on the 

 house in the morning, observing all the directions given in 

 January. 



OF INSECTS, ETC. 



Perhaps sufficient observations were given under this head 

 last month ; but the importance of keeping the disagreeable 

 visiters out of the house constrains us to make a few more 

 remarks. Man cannot be too frequently guarded against his 

 foes, more especially when they ape summoning all their forces, 

 and no profession has more than that of the Horticulturist. 

 Let a strict examination be made about the end of the month 

 for the red spider ; they will be in operation some weeks before 

 their depredations are observed on the foliage. The under sid*> 

 of the leaf is their resort in the first instance, and on such 

 plants as have been already mentioned. 



Observe daily the young shoots, in case the green fly b- 

 13 



