GREENHOUSES— WINTER MANAGEMENT. 



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suddenly " dried off," nor to be packed away in out-of-the-way places before they have 

 shed many of their leaves in a healthy manner. Sudden changes of that kind are 

 injurious, the wood shrivelling instead of remaining plump. In storing either deciduous, 

 tuberous, or bulbous-rooted plants away in glazed outhouses and sheds, or under green- 

 house stages, see that they receive additional protection from frost whenever this is 

 required, and also that none of the plants become saturated by water dripping from pots 

 above them. 



Let all newly-housed plants have ample room, and they ought to be kept somewhat 

 cool at first. Many of them will have been previously arranged on a moist layer of 

 ashes outside, and the change to dry staging may necessitate a freer application of 

 water than formerly. If shade is applied it ought not to be permanent, and should be 

 given primarily with a view to preserving flowers from shrinking, large blooms of 

 chrysanthemums in particular requiring this attention. Give water in the morning, 

 slopping as little of it about as possible, and keeping the floors drier than formerly. If 

 mildew appear in the form of floury specks, dust promptly with sulphur. Greenhouses 

 other than those containing hard-wooded plants should be airy, yet comfortably warm, 

 in the autumn, the night temperature ranging from 45° to 50°, and 55° by fire- 

 heat on dull days, with air more or less according to external conditions. Provide a 

 little fire-heat on cold, damp days, as well as frosty nights, the soft- wooded section of 

 greenhouse plants standing in the greatest need of this. 



Winter. 



At this period of the year water must be applied to all plants requiring it in the 

 morning, and somewhat sparingly. By " sparingly " it is not meant that driblets should 

 be given, as these are a mistake at any time. Not till a plant is moderately dry at the 

 roots does it require water ; then enough should be given to pass to the drainage, and 

 thus moisten every portion of the soil. So long — and no matter how long — the soil 

 remains decidedly moist withhold water ; when it becomes crumblingly dry, afford a 

 supply. There is no other safe rule for watering plants in winter. 



Judgment must equally be exercised in the application of fire-heat to greenhouse 

 plants during the winter. If too much heat is given, weakly, premature, flowerless 

 growth is promoted, while if artificial heat is afforded only when severe frosts are 

 imminent, then many of the occupants of a greenhouse will suffer from the coldness 

 and dampness of the surroundings. No harm will result if the night temperature falls 



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