Decemoer.~] GREEN-HOUSE DESERT ATIONS. 287 



m time of slight frosts in smaller portions, never keeping it 

 altogether close when the sun has any effect on the interior 

 temperature of the house, which should not be allowed to be 

 higher than fifty degrees. 



Water must be given in a very sparing manner. None of 

 the plants are in an active state of vegetation, consequently 

 it will be found that looking over them thrice a week and 

 supplying their wants will be sufficient. Succulents will need 

 a little once in three weeks or a month. Give very moderate 

 supplies to the Amaryllis that are dormant, and keep all these 

 bulbs in the warmest part of the house. 



Or TENDER BULBS. 



Where there are tropical bulbs in the collection, and there 

 is not the convenience of a hot-house, they may be very well 

 preserved by shaking them clear of the soil. Dry them pro- 

 perly, and place them in a box of very dry sand or moss, and 

 put them in a situation near the furnace, where they will be 

 free from damp. These caa be potted about the first of April. 

 Give no water till they b.-gin to grow, then plant them in the 

 garden about the middle of May, where they will flower during 

 the summer season, if they are mature. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 



If there are any of the half-hardy plants exposed, have 

 them taken into the house or under the requisite protection, 

 in frames, pits, cellars, &c. The autumn flowering Cape bulbs 

 should be placed near the glass, and free from the shade of 

 other plants. Cleanliness through the whole house and 

 among the plants ought at all times to be attended to. 



DECEMBER. 



THE weather may probably be now severe, and it is at 

 oil times advisable to keep the temperature as steady and 



