42 



GUIDE TO THE CONSERVATORY. 



GREENHOUSE. 



Heat. — Every gardener must be guided by the 

 weather. If it be frosty keep as much fire-heat as 

 will secure the plants from being injured ; but on 

 mild nights do not put on the fire. It will be neces- 

 sary to observe the appearance of the evening as it 

 advances, for it frequently happens that at sunset 

 it is even warm for the season, without the least in- 

 dication of frost, and this mildness of the atmo- 

 sphere will continue until nine or even ten o'clock, 

 when a change will take place, and a very sharp 

 frost succeed. In sudden changes like this, there 

 would be great risk of damage to the plants, unless 

 the weather be watched and timely precaution taken 

 against such unexpected contingencies. 



All plants requiring to be shifted last month, if 

 neglected, must be attended to as early as possible 

 in the present one. Geraniums and other plants 

 which are now growing freely should have a good 

 supply of water ; they should not be kept conti- 

 nually wet, but be suffered to remain until they re- 

 quire watering, and then it should be afforded 

 plentifully. Cut or pinch off the lateral shoots on 

 the geranium flower stems. See Geranium. 



Syringe on fine mornings, and occasionally put on 

 a fire to carry off the damp. 



Air. — Admit as much as possible during the day, 

 but shut up close during the evening. 



