102 VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDEN. 



It has only cold weather, snow storms, and now and 

 then a warm day. But the sun is drawing nearer 

 to us; when it does shine, it is to some purpose; 

 and in this month comes the birthday of Washing- 

 ton, and that day is frequently celebrated by social 

 meetings, balls, and parties. It is also a short 

 month, and it is the last month of Winter, and we 

 bear it as well as we can, because we feel that 

 spring, at least in name, is coming. In the latter 

 part of the month it is well to sow mignionette in 

 pots and boxes in the windows. It brings it for- 

 ward early, and it smells so sweet, that one who 

 has once enjoyed it will hardly be willing to do 

 without it. Parlor flowers should be well watched, 

 for some of the nights of this month are very cold. 

 The proverb is, 



<c As the days begin to lengthen, 

 The cold begins to strengthen," 



and it is not less true of the nights. Many a ten- 

 der parlor plant which has lived through December 

 and January, is touched by the cold nights of Feb- 

 ruary and March. A large cloth thrown over the 

 flower stand is a protection. Some persons recom- 

 mend a bowl of water to be placed under the cloth 

 with the plant. If, notwithstanding all precau- 

 tions, they should be touched with the frost, they 

 should be sprinkled in the morning with cold water; 

 this will sometimes prevent them from dying. 



MARCH is a cold, blustering month. With us it 

 is often the most uncomfortable one in the year. 

 The old farmers used to say they could depend on 

 " six weeks sledding in March." We have some- 

 times, however, a few warm and pleasant days to 

 give us a foretaste of spring. It is not desirable 



