December,'} rooms. 303 



DECEMBER. 



As the trying season is now approaching for all plants 

 that are kept in rooms, especially those that are desired to 

 have a flourishing aspect through the winter, a few general 

 instructions (although they may have been previously ad- 

 vanced) will perhaps be desirable to all those who are 

 engaged in this interesting occupation, which forms a luxury 

 through the retired hours of a winter season, and with very 

 little attention many are the beauties of vegetative nature 

 that will be developed to the gratification of every reflecting 

 mind. The following is a routine of every day-culture : — 



Do not at any time admit air (except for a few moments) 

 while the thermometer is below 35°, exposed in the shade. 



In time of very severe frosts the plants ought to be with- 

 drawn from the window to the centre of the room duriug 

 night. 



Never give- water until the soil in the pots is inclining to 

 become dry, except for Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs 

 that are in a growing state, which must be liberally sup- 

 plied. 



Destroy all insects as soon as they appear : for the means 

 of destruction, see next month. 



Give a little air every favorable opportunity (that is, 

 when the thermometer is above 35°, exposed in the shade), 

 by putting up the window one, two, or three inches, accord- 

 ing to the state of the weather. 



Clean the foliage with sponge and water frequently to 

 remove all dust, &c. The water thus used must not exceed 

 80°, but 60* is preferable. 



Turn the plants frequently to prevent them growing to 

 one side. 



Roses of the daily sort may be obtained early by having 

 them in a warm room that has a south window, and as soon 

 as they begin to grow admit air in small portions about 

 noon every day that the sun has any eflect. Such must be 

 well supplied with water. 



Bulbs in glasses must be supplied with fresh water at 

 least once a-week, in which period they will inhale all the 



