THE CARNATION. 73 



frames down close to the ground, when the frost 

 appears to set in. 



The safest method, perhaps, is to keep them 

 moderately dry in the months of December and 

 January ; and when they require water, give it them 

 through the narrow pipe of a small water-pot, in- 

 stead of the rose. If watered with the rose, unless 

 there be a brisk air and a little sun to dry the plants, 

 the drops will hang upon them for several days to- 

 gether, and spot and mildew the leaves ; indeed it is 

 never right to shut them down close when wet. 

 About once in six weeks, as you see occasion, take a 

 small pointed stick, and lightly stir the mould on 

 the surface, to prevent any green and sour incrusta- 

 tion taking place. Many cover the tops of the pots 

 with a little fine sand. The decayed leaves should 

 also be taken off from time to time. Should the 

 w r eather be temperate and mild, with any gentle 

 rains from the south or south-west, they should be 

 permitted to receive the benefit of them for half an 

 hour or so, five or six times during the winter ; this 

 will greatly refresh them, taking care to have their 



E 



