134 THE AURICULA. 



ground. The plants will require, in all dry and tem- 

 perate weather, to be exposed to the open air through- 

 out the winter. Let them be* set on four inches deep 

 of coal-ashes, and be kept rather dry than otherwise 

 till February, receiving the water you give them 

 through the small pipe of a water-pot ; be careful 

 also not to let the water run into the heart of the 

 plant, and contrive to give it them when the air is 

 mild, and the wind southward. If the surface mould 

 in the pots becomes incrusted from damp and stag- 

 nated air, the effect of too close confinement, take a 

 small skewer, and stir the surface lightly, taking off 

 at the same time any decayed leaves. 



FEBRUARY AND MARCH. 



WE will now suppose that we have reached the first 

 or second week in February, and that the weather is 

 open, with gentle rains occasionally ; if that be the 

 case, let the plants have the benefit of them for an 



