1006 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



[Jan. 



space, the cuiTent of cold air flowing in displaces that which is 

 lighter and hotter towards the middle and top of the house, 

 and drives it out by its gravity, added to that of the former 

 impetus. It is, therefore, more in the just regulation of the 

 ventilators, than in the space or length of time they are left 

 open, that the most complete change of air can take place. 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE GREEN-HOUSE AND 

 CONSERVATORY. 



During this season, the plants in both these departments 

 will require to be often looked over, and all dead leaves re- 

 moved ; dampness, where it appears, should be removed and 

 counteracted by all possible means. The surface of the mould 

 in the pots, as well as that of the border of the conservatory, 

 should be frequently stirred up, and such plants or branches 

 as require support, should be tied up in a neat manner, and 

 all dead or decaying branches removed. Cleanliness should 

 be attended to ; for, besides the disorderly and slovenly ap- 

 pearance which a want of it betrays in the cultivator, a strict 

 attention to it will materially aid in maintaining a healthy state 

 in the plants. Few plants will be in flower at this season, 

 but such as are should be placed in the most conspicuous 

 places, so as to make as much of them as possible. Where 

 a display of flowering plants is required at this season, it may 

 be obtained by having in an auxiliary pit, or house appro- 

 priated for that purpose, a succession of such plants, slightly 

 forced or retarded. To the first class may be referred, bulbs 

 potted in September or October, and roses, lilacs, azalias, and 

 other hardy plants, which will bear forcing at this season. 

 These, as they are coming into bloom, should be introduced 

 both upon the stages of the green-house and into conspicuous 

 parts of the conservatory, and will give a gaiety by their 

 bloom at this cheerless season, when few of the plants cultivated 

 in either the green-house or conservatory are in flower. To the 

 second may be referred, the later flowering varieties of C//r?/^«w- 

 Ihcimim Indicum, which may be retarded so as to be still well 

 in flower ; and many varieties of that splendid genus, Dahlia^ 

 which have been grown in large pots, and removed into the 



