farmers' miscellany. 99 



legrees ; and all sudden changes in it should be avoided. If the 

 iteady coal fire be kept in one room and the plants in another, 

 connected with it by .folding doors, the temperature will generally 

 pe kept high enough. Great care should be taken at night that 

 hey do not get chilled or frozen. A moderately damp atmosphere 

 3 better than a dry one. 



They should have as much light as possible ; if not, the leaves 



/ill grow slender and pale, and the whole plant W'ill acquire an 



nhcalthy appearance. A room with a south or southeastern ex- 



osure is the best, and they should be kept near the window. 



I Every day that the weather will permit, the window should be 



pened a little to admit the fresh air. This is very necessary for 



16 health and vigor of the plants. 



They should be regularly w'atered. This does not by any means 



Dnsist in drenching them with water ; but whenever the earth in 



le pot is beconiing dry, and not before, water should be applied 



i sufficient quantity to wet the whole mass. Succulent plants 



lid bulbs do not require much water unless whilst flowering ; once 



week will be found often enough. Plants should be watered in 



le morning. Liquid manure may be advantageously applied to 



jich as continue growing through the winter. 



The foliage should be kept free from dust. Occasionally the 



irth on the surface of the pots should be stirred to a little depth, 



' promote the circulation of air about the roots. If the plant is 



ihealthy, wash it clean, both leaves and stalk — remove half an 



ch of earth and supply its place with pulverized charcoal, 



irough which it is to be watered. All decayed leaves should be 



moved. 



All woody plants require more or less pruning. This should be 

 )ne directly after they are done flowering, or early in the spring. 

 Ither in the spring or fall, the roots should be examined, and if 

 'ey are decayed or matted, they should be removed, and the 

 ]ant repotted in one of a larger size — unless it is desirable to keep 

 te plant small — and fresh earth added. A portion should be re- 

 lived from the surface of all the pots, and a top-dressing of new 

 ill given. It will be very servicable to frequently stir the earth 

 the pots during the winter, loosening it with a sharp pointed 

 ck, as deep as possible without injuring the roots. This should 

 I done when the earth is dry, just before watering it. In the 



