343 



DECEMBER. 



As the trying season is now approaching for all 

 plants that are kept in rooms, especially those that are 

 desired to have a flourishing aspect through the win- 

 ter, a few general instructions (although they may have 

 been previously advanced) will perhaps be desirable to 

 all those who are engaged in this interesting occupa 

 tion, which forms a luxury through the retired hours of 

 a winter season, and with very little attention many are 

 the beauties of vegetative nature that will be developed 

 to the gratification of every reflecting mind. The fol- 

 lowing is a routine of every day culture. 



Do not at any time admit air (except for a few mo- 

 ments) while the thermometer is below 32 exposed in 

 the shade. 



In time of very severe frosts the plants ought to be 

 withdrawn from the window to the centre of the room 

 during night. 



Never give water until the soil in the pots is inclin- 

 ing to become dry, except for Hyacinths and other 

 Dutch bulbs that are in a growing state, which must 

 be liberally supplied. 



Destroy all insects as soon as they appear ; for means 

 of destruction see next month. 



Give a little air every favourable opportunity, (that 

 s, when the thermometer is above 33 exposed in the 



