138 CULTIVATION. 



mitted. The front being open to the southward 

 allows the entrance of the mildest air at all 

 times ; and, in severe weather, a curtain of mats, 

 suspended from the front plate, and properly se- 

 cured at the ends and bottom, will be, with a dou- 

 ble mat or two thrown on the roof, a sufficient 

 defence. If such a frame as this, intended for a 

 small collection, were formed on truck wheels so 

 that it might be turned to any aspect, it would 

 serve as well for a summer as a winter repository, 

 and answer all the purposes of a double-roofed 

 frame. 



To such a receptacle as this, or to one having 

 all its advantages of shade and free air, should the 

 plants be removed after shifting ; and exposed to 

 the east or north aspect, to remain till inclement 

 weather from these quarters renders it necessary 

 to take advantage of the subdued sunshine of a 

 southern sky. Here, throughout the winter, they 

 must be tended as has been already hinted. 



Top dressing. — About the beginning of Febru- 

 ary is the usual and best season for supplying 

 every plant intended to flower with a top dressing 



