DECEMBER — FIRST WEEK. 



119 



application or withholding of water. An abundance of 

 air to be given on fine days, to keep the plants from 

 growing. 



STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE. 



A cautious application of fire-heat to be still observed 

 here. The temperature to be kept rather low than other- 

 wise, for fear of exciting premature growth. A small 

 portion of air to be admitted on fine days, to purify the 

 atmosphere of the house. Keep the surface of the soil 

 in the pots free from weeds, as also from moss and lichen ; 

 but when doing so do not loosen the soil so as to injure 

 the roots near the surface. Keep every plant free from 

 dead leaves, and all climbing plants neatly tied up. 

 The Achimenes, Clerodendrons, Erythrinas, Gloxinias, 

 and the various bulbs will now be approaching a state of 

 repose, and therefore will require but little or no water. 

 To prevent confusion or mistakes it is advisable to place 

 them on a shelf, or some other part of the house, by 

 themselves. Although dormant, .or nearly so, they re- 

 quire a stove temperature to keep them safe and sound. 



FORCING-HOUSES. 



Asparagus and Sea-kale. — Make up beds as wanted. 



Mushrooms. — Keep a moist atmosphere in the house, 

 and the temperature steadily at or near 60°. A fresh 

 bed to be made and spawned every three or four weeks, 

 to produce successional crops. 



Pines. — The fruit now swelling will require the tempe- 

 rature and moisture of the house or pit to be kept up. 

 Those intended for the main crop to be kept in a regular 

 state, allowing them air at every favourable opportunity, 

 with a day temperature from 70° to 75° and from 55° to 

 60° at night. Plants in bloom to receive careful attention. 

 Keep the atmosphere dry with a brisk temperature, ad- 

 mitting a little fresh air at favourable opportunities, to 

 prevent them from being injured by damp. When the 

 heat is kept up by dung linings, constant watching will 

 be necessary to prevent any fluctuation of temperature, 

 having materials at hand to assist in case of frost. 



Vines. — Where forcing has commenced attend to the 

 breaking of the Vines by the application of fermenting 



