INTRODUCTION. 



5 



very cautiously, only keeping the earth just moist, but in 

 spring increased in quantity, and particularly when the 

 plants are flowering and in sunny weather. The sooner fires 

 can be dispensed with, the better it is for the plants in 

 general, but still precautions must be taken against even 

 slight frosts, by shutting up the house early and covering 

 with mats. If insects appear on the plants, the house must 

 be fumigated, or each plant washed carefully. In summer a 

 rolling-blind is almost indispensable ; for as the house turns 

 more or less to the south, the plants are liable to be burned 

 or their fine colours lessened by the scorching sun. 



These pages are only intended for the amateur, who, de- 

 lighting in the care of tender plants, may still not know 

 what are suitable for the greenhouse, or how to manage them, 

 and who may wish also to study them botanically, so as to 

 have some idea of their arrangement and scientific charac- 

 ter. The work includes many more plants than could be 

 introduced into one house, but their number ensures a va- 

 riety according to the taste and means of the proprietor. 

 A greenhouse, stocked with judgment and arranged with 

 elegance, is very pleasing and satisfactory, particularly if the 

 possessor will be careful to have a variety of climbing-plants 

 to cover the pillars and woodwork; amongst the most 



