170 



THE GREEN-HOUSE. 



to 48° or 50° during sunshine to encourage growth 

 and blossoms ; but need not be higher than 44° in 

 the evening, or 40° the following morning. Many 

 maintain a lower temperature; but our object in the 

 villa green-house is to cause the plants to look well 

 at this season. 



The supplies of water may be increased, especially 

 to plants in a growing or flowering state, and to such 

 as are in the warmest part of the house. The bulbs 

 will require it liberally till they come into full flower, 

 when it may be withdrawn by degrees, and as their 

 foliage begins to grow yellow and decay, it may be 

 gradually left ofl". 



Air should be given in the middle of every day if 

 possible during February, and in mild weather in 

 March and April during the time the sun is above 

 the horizon, but not later. With May the practice of 

 leaving the front-sashes and doors open all night 

 may commence, but must be conducted with caution. 



Subsect. 1. Insects and Diseases to which Green- 

 house Plants are liable. 



The principal insects which infest green-house 

 plants are the aphis or green fly, the coccus, and the 

 acarus or red spider ; other insects, as flies, wasps, 

 caterpillars, earwigs, beetles, &c. do but little harm, 

 or are easily taken, or scared. Snails and worms, 

 when they find their way into the house, are more 

 injurious. 



