33 



FEBRUARY. 



IN the early part of this month the weather generally 

 is very cold and changeable in the middle states, and 

 strict attention, with the greatest caution, will require to 

 be paid to the management of the Hot-house. Most of 

 the tropical plants commence an active state of vegeta- 

 tion; and if checked by temperature or otherwise, they 

 will not recover until midsummer. The thermometer 

 may be kept two or three degrees higher with fire 

 heat than last month ; the sun will be more powerful, 

 and this will, in a great degree, increase the vigour of 

 the plants. Air may be admitted when the ther- 

 mometer rises to 75 or 80, not allowing it to rise 

 higher than the latter. In giving air, let it be done by 

 the top sashes. It is improper to give it in any way to 

 cause a current, for the external air is very cold, al- 

 though the sun is more powerful. An inch or two on 

 a few of the sashes, as has been previously observed, 

 will be effectual in keeping the temperature low enough, 

 except the weather is very mild. 



With regard to firing, what was said last month may 

 suffice for this. Always recollect that it is preferable 

 to keep out the cold than to put it out. It will fre- 

 quently happen in the time of intense frost, that the 



