340 



DECEMBER. 



.% 



The weather may probably be now severe, and it is 

 at all times advisable to keep the temperature as steady 

 and regular as possible. The thermometer should be 

 kept in the centre of the house, and free from the ef- 

 fects of reflection. As noticed last month, sun heat 

 may be as high as 50 in the house, and would not be 

 hurtful, but it should not continue so for any consider- 

 able time without admission of air. The fire heat 

 should not exceed 43, and never be below 33. It 

 ought not to continue at that point 36 is the lowest 

 for a continuation that with safety can be practised. 

 So that no error may occur, the temperature ought to 

 be known in the coolest and warmest part of the house, 

 and the variation remembered. Then whatever part 

 of the house the thermometer is placed, a true calcula- 

 tion of the heat of the whole interior can be made. 

 We would recommend to the inexperienced to keep 

 the thermometer in the coldest part of the house. A 

 Green-house compactly and closely built, and the glass 

 all covered with shutters, (which no house ought to be 

 constructed without,) will seldom require artificial heat; 

 but by being long kept close, the damp will increase. 

 In such case give a little fire heat, and admit air to 

 purify the house. In fresh mild weather, give liberal 



