THE STOVE. 



near to from 60 to 65 degrees as possible, during the dark days 

 of winter, for all that is then required is to prevent the plants 

 from being checked or chilled by cold during that season, so 

 that, as spring naturally comes on, a farther, but gradual 

 stimulus may be given them by additional heat, and most par- 

 ticularly during the day. 



WATERING. 



Water must not be entirely withheld, particularly from some 

 species, but a much less quantity of it is necessary than when 

 the plants are in a growing state, and able to decompose a 

 greater portion of that element. Some species require none for 

 several weeks together, and such may be ascertained by their 

 habits of growth, and are of the herbaceous and bulbous sorts. 

 As these naturally ripen their foliage in autumn (or at whatever 

 other season), and appear to die down to the ground, they 

 should be observed, and collected as near together as circum- 

 stances will admit of, and a suspension of watering should then 

 gradually take place, and be continued in, till they begin to show 

 signs of vegetation in spring, when they should be again sup- 

 plied as usual. Some species which require very little water 

 during winter, do not lose their leaves, nor die down to the sur- 

 face of the pots ; but it is only observation on the part of the 

 cultivator, that can direct him in these instances when to water, 

 and when to withhold it. It is (as we have repeatedly ob- 

 served) one of those cases in horticulture for which rules may 

 be laid down, but not wholly without exceptions, and must en- 

 tirely rest on the judgment of the cultivator. Steaming the 

 stove during winter is a material feature in the best manage- 

 ment of such plants, and should be scrupulously attended to, 

 both to soften the atmosphere of the house, as well as to pre- 

 vent the increase of insects, particularly the red spider, which 

 is sure to make its unwelcome appearance in a high and dry 

 atmosphere. The most eligible time for steaming the house is 

 in the evening, when the flues are hottest, and it is performed 

 by pouring water on them, which generates steam readily. In 

 time of very severe frost, this operation may be performed 

 during the day, or dispensed with for a few days altogether. 



