290 ROOMS — OF INSECTS, ETC. \_January. 



The frequency of watering can be best regulated by tlie 

 person doing it, as it depends entirely upon the size of the 

 pot or jar in proportion to the plant, whether it is too small 

 or too large, and the situation it stands in, whether moist or 

 arid. Never allow any quantity of water to stand in the 

 flats or saucers. This is too frequently practiced with plants 

 in general. Such as CciUa jEtldojika, or African Lily, 

 will do well, as water is its element (like Sagittdria in this 

 country) ; the Hydrangea and Hyacintli^, Avhen in a growing 

 state, will do admirably under such treatment. Many plants 

 may do well for some time, but it being so contrary to their 

 nature, causes premature decay; a fetid stagnation takes 

 place at the root, the foliage becomes yellow, the plant 

 stunted, and death follows. 



OF CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 



In rooms, the buds of Camellias will be well swelled, and 

 on the double white and double variegated sorts perhaps they 

 will be full-blown. While in that state the temperature 

 should not be below 40° ; if lower, they will not expand so 

 well, and the expanded petals will soon become yellow and 

 decay. If they are where there is fire heat, they must have 

 plenty of air admitted to them every favorable opportunity, 

 and water freely given, or the consequence will be that all 

 the buds will turn dark brown, and fall off. It is generally 

 the case, in the treatment of these beautiful plants in rooms, 

 that, through too much intended care, they are entirely 

 destroyed. They do not agree with confined air, and to 

 sponge frequently will greatly promote the health of the 

 plants and add to the beauty of their foliage, as it prevents 

 the attacks of the red spider. 



When the flowers are expanded, and droop, tie them up 

 neatly, so that the flower may be shown to every advantage. 



OF INSECTS, ETC. 



Insects of various kinds will be appearing on your plants. 

 For method of destruction, see Ilot-lujusc, Januari/. It will 

 not be agreeable to fumigate the room or rooms, or even to 

 have the smell of tobacco near the house from this cause. 



