34 HOT-HOUSE OF INSECTS, &c. [FEBRUARY. 



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 

 too frequently cannot be separated without much dam- 

 age. 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 inconvenience 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 get dry, and then in such pro- 

 portion as will reach the bottom of the pot. After the 

 sun has got on the house in the morning is the best 

 time to water, observing all the directions given in 

 January. 



OF INSECTS, &,c. 



Perhaps sufficient observations were given under 

 this head last month ; but the importance of keeping 

 these disagreeable visitors out of the house, constrains 

 us to make a few more remarks, and perhaps it may 

 be necessary every month. Man cannot be too fre- 

 quently guarded against his foes, more especially when 



