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FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
with the partial drainings of the yard. Instead of this, they ought to be raised 
above the yard, and have a firm, hard surface beneath them, so that no undue 
moisture can soak into it, and arise through it. 
Potted plants, that are kept in frames, are commonly placed on coal ashes, 
which supply a dry surface, and through which worms will rarely pass. Any of 
the various kinds of cheap composition, in the form of asphalte, may now be 
employed, and will constitute a harder and drier floor. 
As an excellent mode of obviating injurious dampness, and sustaining the plants 
in a healthy condition, we have had recommended to us the use of slaked lime. 
It is spread over the floor of the frame to the depth of three inches, and the pots 
are slightly plunged in it It is said to be an admirable preservative against 
mouldiness, and exceedingly useful to tender plants. 
For protecting frames containing tender plants, a variety of materials may be 
taken. Especial care should be exercised that no cold air enter from below ; and if 
the frame be raised, as we have advised, the space between its base and the ground, 
and all its sides likewise, should be closely banked up with thick pieces of turf, so 
as to render it quite secure at all points. It is not alone through the glass, in very 
sharp weather, that heat is abstracted. Radiation will be going on, if not checked, 
from every portion of exposed surface. During protracted and intense frosts, we 
have seen frames advantageously covered with unfermented leaves, to the thickness 
of three or four inches. All such exclusion of light must be accompanied with 
comparative drought, and very slight waterings should ever be made when frost 
threatens. At every favourable interval, too, light ought to be admitted, and when 
practicable, if the atmosphere be sufficiently dry, air should be introduced, as well 
to change the supply, as to carry off moisture. 
In the beginning of the winter, it is of primary moment that the plants should 
be kept as dormant, healthy, dry, and hardy as circumstances will allow ; because, 
during the remainder of this period, their condition will depend much upon that of the 
earlier stages. Superfluous kindness will do them more harm than neglect, provided 
the latter be not too gross. They should have copious daily supplies of air, and 
be left uncovered as long as it is at all safe. 
FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 
NEW OR BEAUTIFUL PLANTS FIGURED IN THE LEADING BOTANICAL PERIODICALS 
FOR SEPTEMBER. 
Bego'nia hydrocotylifo'lia. " One of the many pretty Begonias with which our stoves have 
been enriched, through the liberality of the Royal Botanic Garden of Berlin." It has thick, 
creeping stems, which are covered with large scales, and the leaves rise numerously to the height 
of about two inches. They are nearly round, equal-sided, cordate, and convex on the upper 
surface, resembling in figure those of the common Hydrocotyle. The flowers rise on peduncles 
from eight inches to a foot high, and are in panicles. They are abundant, and their colour is a 
deep rose. The species blossoms in the summer season. Hot. Mag. 3968. 
