December.] ROOMS. 305 



DECEMBER. 



As the trying season is now approaching for all plants that 

 are kept in roDms, especially those that are desired to have a 

 flourishing aspect through the winter, a few general instruc- 

 tions (although they may have been previously advanced) 

 will perhaps be desirable to all those who are engaged in this 

 interesting occupation, 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 

 following is a routine of every-day culture : 



Do not at any time admit air (except for a few moments) 

 while the thermometer is below 35, exposed in the shade. 



In time of very severe frosts the plants ought to be with- 

 drawn from the window to the centre of the room during 

 night. 



Never give water until the soil in the pots is inclining to 

 become dry, except for Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs 

 that are in a growing state, which must be liberally sup- 

 plied. 



Destroy all insects as soon as they appear : for the means 

 of destruction, see next month. 



Give a little air every favourable opportunity (that is, when 

 the thermometer is above 35, exposed in the shade), by 

 putting up the window one, two, or three inches, according to 

 the state of the weather. 



Clean the foliage with sponge and water frequently, to 

 remove all dust, &c. The water thus used must not exceed 

 80, but 60 is preferable. 



Turn the plants frequently to prevent them growing to one 

 side. 



Roses of the daily sort may be obtained early by having 

 them in a warm room that has a south window, and as soon 

 as they begin to grow admit air in small portions about noon 

 every day that the sun has any effect. Such must be well 

 supplied with water. 



Bulbs in glasses must be supplied with fresh water at least 

 jnce a week, in which period they will inhale all the nutri 

 2G* 



