292 ROOMS OF INSECTS, ETC. [January. 



The frequency of watering can be best regulated by the 

 person doing it, as it depends entirely upon the size of the 

 pot or jar in proportion to the plant, whether it is too small 

 or too large, and the situation it stands in, whether moist or 

 arid. Never allow any quantity of water to stand in the 

 fists or saucers. This is too frequently practised with plants 

 in general. Such as Odlla ^Ethiopica, or African Lily, will 

 do well, as water is its element (like Sagittaria in thia 

 country) ; the Hydrangea and Hyacinths, when in a growing 

 state, will do admirably under such treatment. Many plants 

 may do well for some time, but it beug so contrary to their 

 nature, causes premature decay ; a fetid stagnation takes place 

 at the root, the foliage becomes yellow, the plant stunted, an\J 

 death follows. 



OF CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 



in rooms, the buds of Camellias will be well swelled, and 

 on the double white and double variegated sorts perhaps they 

 will be full-blown. While in that state the temperature 

 should not be below 40 ; if lower, they will not expand so 

 well, and the expanded petals will soon become yellow and 

 decay. If they are where there is fire heat, they must have 

 plenty of air admitted to them every favourable opportunity, 

 and water freely given, or the consequence will be that all the 

 buds will turn dark brown, and fall off. It is generally the 

 case, in the treatment of these beautiful plants in rooms, that, 

 through too much intended care, they are entirely destroyed. 

 They do not agree with confined air, and to sponge frequently 

 will greatly promote the health of the plants and add to the 

 beauty of their foliage, as it prevents the attacks of the red 

 spider. 



When the flowers are expanded, and droop, tie them up 

 neatly, so that the flower may be shown to every advantage. 



OF INSECTS, ETC. 



insects of various kinds will be appearing on your plants. 

 For method of destruction, see Hot-house, January. It will 

 not be agreeable to fumigate the room or rooms, or even to 

 have the smell of tobacco near the house from this cause. 



