OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
To the amateur, or gardener of limited means, a knowledge of this fact is 
of very great importance; as, by availing himself of the system here recom- 
mended, an immense saving of fuel may be effected. But the practice is even 
still more valuable in maintaining" the plants in a healthy condition, and conse- 
quently should be adopted even where economy is not so much regarded. Its 
beneficial result to the plants is twofold, combining ample protection from cold, 
with the maintenance of that dormancy which we before stated to be so desirable, 
neither of which objects is ensured by any other method. Without a covering 
to the glass of some material which will diminish radiation, whatever quantity of 
heat may be at command, the upper and tender shoots of plants that are within 
a few feet from the glass, are almost inevitably injured when frosts are very 
intense. Their susceptibility of injury is also greatly increased by the excitation 
which must and does always accompany an elevation of temperature. Thus, when 
in frosty weather a high temperature is created and maintained, a stimulus is 
imparted to the roots and lower portions of plants, which, upon being commu- 
nicated to their upper extremities, induces growth ; and tlie shoots thus formed 
are exceedingly liable to be destroyed when any augmentation of frost occurs. 
By the practice of the method above suggested, no danger of this kind will be 
incurred, and the plants will be kept in a uniformly dormant state. The partial 
refraction of light which it will occasion, cannot be productive of injury to any 
plant if its shoots are fully matured and completely torpid ; and even this will 
be obviated during the day, except in extreme frost, since the covering may be 
safely removed while the sun is shining, or the temperature only moderately low. 
In fine weather, indeed, a greater degree of light will be afforded by this system 
than could else be obtained ; as the cultivator will be enabled to place his plants 
much nearer the glass than he otherwise could with security. 
These principles apply with equal force and propriety to the management of 
pits and frames, and also to tender plants in the open ground. If they are closely 
enveloped in some thick covering which will prevent or retard radiation, the 
natural heat of the ground, and also the latent heat of the plants themselves, will 
render them perfectly secure from external cold. The preservation of tuberous or 
other roots, which are taken from the ground during winter, may likewise be 
included in these remarks. If duly sheltered with dry straw, and all apertures 
or glazed surfaces in the apartment in vv^hicli they are kept carefully covered, no 
artificial heat will be necessary, unless it be for dispelling injurious moisture. 
When a complete thaw succeeds a severe frost, all herbaceous plants and bulbs 
that have been planted in the autumn should be examined, and those which have 
been so near the surface as to be left exposed by the contraction of the soil during 
congelation, must be carefully reinstated. 
Bulbs or other plants intended for early flowering, should be immediately 
placed in a moist heat, and their growth attentively watched, for the purpose of 
removing all obstructions, and affording every desirable facility. Gentle syringing 
is, or should be, an essential feature in forcing, though a moist atmosphere will 
have precisely the same effect, and is much more congenial to plants. 
