December.^ hot-house — or shutters. 



181 



temperature may be always at hand^ which is of great im- 

 portance to the healthful constitution of the plants. The 

 water must now be given in moderate portions^ examining 

 the plants every day. Be careful in watering bulbs^ as the 

 smallest supply is sufficient for them at present. Succu- 

 lents will require a little every two weeks^ except they are 

 over the flues, when they may have some every week. 



Constantly clear off all decayed leaves, and carry them 

 out of the house, which sweep and wash clean, and keep 

 all in the neatest order. 



DECEMBER. 



The uncertainty of the weather in this month requires 

 the operator to be constantly on guard, to ward off danger, 

 either from frost, snow, or cutting winds. The tempe- 

 rature observed last month must be continued, but not ex- 

 ceeded, which would cause premature vegetation, of which 

 the result and effects have already been observed. Always 

 kindle the fires in time, to prevent the heat from being 

 lower than what has been mentioned, lest a severe frost 

 should take place, as then a considerable lapse ensues 

 before the fire has any effect; and if the wind blows high, 

 the result might be injurious, unless the house be very 

 close. 



OF SHUTTERS. 



The benefit of these in severe weather is of material 

 service, for the preservation of an even temperature in the 

 house during the night, when changes are not observed ; 

 but they ought never to remain on through the day, when 

 the fire can be properly attended to. If the front and the 

 lowest sash of the roof are covered with these, it is gene- 

 rally sufficient. They should be made of three-quarter 

 inch boards, closely grooved together, having a cross bar in 

 the centre, and one at each end and each side, which will 

 make them substantial. If thev are frequently painied 

 16 



