274 
OPERATIONS FOR JANUARY. 
January, although proverbially a cold month, is yet, generally speaking, rather a busy one ; 
much, however, of what is done now, is under glass. In the stove the greater part of plants are in 
a state of repose, and their rest should be kept as perfect as possible : 55 degrees of heat by night 
is quite sufficient, if we except Barringtonia speciosa and a few others of equally tender habits, 
which can never be exposed to a temperature below 60 degrees, without injury. Water sparingly 
at the roots, but be careful that the atmosphere never becomes too dry ; this is easily obviated by 
throwing a little water occasionally upon the floors ; avoid, however, as much as possible raising 
a steam, as this would cause drip, which is always injurious at this time of the year. 
In the Orchid house, rest also is what must now be attended to. The plants will require but 
little water, and the temperature should be low, yet the atmosphere, like that for stove plants 
generally, must be prevented from becoming too arid. By the end of the month such kinds as 
begin to show signs of growth should be repotted ; but what is called the general potting season, 
will scarcely commence before next month. The temperature need not exceed what is recom- 
mended above for stove plants generally. 
In the Conservatory and greenhouse, cleanliness both of the plants, the floors and the stages is 
of importance at this time of the year. Many of the plants are now in flower ; these houses, 
therefore, will be places of much resort. Camellias in bloom will be benefited by a supply of clear 
weak liquid manure once or twice a week, but it should be made tepid, or at least equal to the 
temperature of the house in which they stand. Wherever insects are prevalent, fumigation must 
be resorted to, but it is always preferable, whenever .'any plants are infested, to remove and 
fumigate them at once ; any increase of these depredators will be then effectually prevented. 
Ericas, however, before being exposed to the fumes of tobacco smoke, should always be well 
syringed, otherwise they are sure to receive injury. Chrysanthemums which have done flowering 
should be cut down and removed to a dry place. Epacrises, Corrseas, and many other plants of 
like habits will now be in bloom; place them in a very airy part of the house. Cinerarias also 
will now be generally throwing up their flowering stems, and as they are very thirsty plants, a 
good supply of water is indispensable, and care taken that they do not become covered with 
insects. Chinese Primroses, too, will now form a portion of the ornament of these houses ; they 
always flourish best if placed near the glass, but too much light will soon cause the flowers to fall. 
In the forcing-pit keep a good bottom-heat and plenty of atmospheric moisture. Plants which 
were introduced some time ago, will now be in flower. Others should be brought in to succeed 
them, amongst which may be mentioned the hardy American tribes, Roses, Azalea indica, and some 
stove plants, as Gardenias, Thunbergias, and Francisceas. Also, where there is not a sufficient 
number of Verbenas, Heliotropes, and other half-hardy plants for bedding out in the summer, 
it is advisable to introduce some of these, that a sufficient number of cuttings may be put in 
early in the season. 
In pits and frames keep out the frost with good night coverings, but expose the plants to the 
air as much as possible during the day. Remove all decayed aud decaying leaves, and keep the 
atmosphere as pure and healthy as possible. 
In the open air prepare Ranunculus beds for planting in February. Examine Pink and 
Pansy beds, and if the frost has loosened or raised out of the ground any plants, let them again 
be fastened. Shelter Carnations from excessive wet weather. Make gravel walks and new beds 
in the flower garden, or renew the soil in old ones. Prepare ground for planting shrubs, and do 
anything else which the weather will permit to be done. 
ERRATA. 
In page 34, line 22 from the top, for Pistaccia read Pistacia. 
,, 37, line 8 from the top, for Calampalis read Calampelis. 
„ 46, at section 5, for Lossal flowered read Tassel flowered, and 
211, for Limsia anethifolia read Simsia anethifolia. 
