DECEMBER — SECOND WEEK. 



121 



sufficient space for the air to circulate freely around the 

 foliage of each. 



Pelargoniums. — To be kept rather cool and dry; fire 

 heat to be avoided, except when necessary to prevent the 

 temperature falling below 40°, or to dispel damp. Every 

 plant intended for early bloom to be arranged in the 

 best form. The system of arranging a piece of twisted 

 bass under the rim of the pot, to which loops are fastened 

 to secure the shoots and the better formation of the plant, 

 obviates the too-extensive use of sticks, a superfluity of 

 which is at all times objectionable. 



STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE. 



Continue to act as advised lately. Care and caution in 

 the application of water are more especially required, as 

 there is not a single feature in the cultivation of plants 

 during the winter in which the amateur is more likely to 

 err, and by reason of which a greater amount of injury 

 is sustained, than in the application of water either in its 

 fluid or vaporous state. If applied to the soil in super- 

 abundance, the roots, being inactive, are certain to sustain 

 some degree of injury ; and if it is applied in excess to 

 the atmosphere in the form of vapour, the exhalations 

 from the leaves of the plants will be checked in con- 

 sequence of the density of the medium that surrounds 

 them when they will be sure to suffer. 



FORCING-HOUSES. 



Cucumbers. — Sow some good variety for planting out 

 next month. A one-light frame on a well-worked bed of 

 dung and leaves is most suitable for the purpose, as pro- 

 ducing an atmosphere moist and congenial for their 

 healthy vegetation and growth. 



Peaches. — Syringe the trees that are just started and 

 swelling the buds, and keep every plant clean and neat. 



Pines. — When the application of fire heat is necessarV 

 during severe weather, it is advisable to pay particular 

 attention to those that have done blooming and swelling 

 off in various stages, that they may not receive a check 

 from being over-dry at the roots. 



Vines. — Leaves, or dung, or both mixed together, when 

 used to produce fermentation, and a sweet vaporous at- 



