222 CULTIVATION. 



of the plants. The general temperature sliould 

 never be lower than 40°, nor higher than 60°, 

 while the plants are in the house. Dry, mild, 

 fresh air should be admitted at all times, if not 

 below the minimum above-mentioned. Fire 

 should never be used but to repel frost, or to dry 

 the house and plants, when a current of air 

 can be at the same time admitted. Watering, 

 clearing from dead leaves and insects, stopping 

 over-luxuriant shoots, and perfect cleanliness, is 

 all the attention required in the green-house 

 during the winter months. 



As the spring advances, a greater share of 

 fresh air is daily given from morning till night ; 

 and, in very mild calm weather, the sliding sashes 

 in front may be kept open on nights as wells as 

 days, especially tov/ards the end of April and 

 beginning of May, to prepare the plants for being- 

 taken out of the house altogether. The variable- 

 ness of our seasons prevents naming any particular 

 time or day when this business should be done. 

 The old rule among British gardeners is when the 

 common mulberry puts forth its leaves. This is an 



