24 
OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
season. Unless the endeavours of the culturist to retain torpidity are constantly persevered in, 
till the proper time for using stimulating means, not only will his after efforts be tenfold less 
successful, but it is more than probable they will be attended with a positive injury to the plants. 
Throughout the whole period in which there is any benefit accruing from the retention of dor- 
mancy, it is indispensable to employ every available method of prolonging it, with unvarying 
constancy ; for any relax in the rigour of his measures will unfailingly curtail the length of time 
in which a quiescent state can be safely and usefully maintained. 
Many objections might be urged against attempts to produce early growths. They are less 
vigorous from the imperfect means of acquiring and assimilating nutriment ; and the debility 
which arises from this, frequently entails similar consequences on the growth of succeeding 
months ; the plants are more susceptible of injury from the occasional returns of severe weather ; 
and additional care and expenditure is required to maintain a suitable atmosphere for them. As 
a general practice, then, it is important to prolong the season of rest for at least a month yet. 
In the accomplishment of this object, abstaining from fire-heat as far as possible, and pre- 
serving the requisite temperature by means of some external covering to the glass, is one of the 
most prominent instruments. The continual creation of heat by fires has always a greater 
tendency to produce excitement, than the mere preservation of it by preventing radiation ; and 
this is more perceptible just about the commencement of growth than at any other season, though 
it is always injurious. The exclusion of frost is all that is required in greenhouses and frames, 
and whenever this point is far exceeded an injury is inflicted. Where a warmth of 35'^ can be 
commanded, no artificial means of producing a higher temperature should be brought into 
operation. Perhaps the greatest injury which is experienced from fire-heat, arises through its 
excess during night ; and this is precisely the time when it is most prevalent, for when no 
exterior protections are employed it is almost unavoidable, as a precaution against a sudden frost. 
Another beneficial effect of external coverings, is the privilege it affords of exposing the 
plants more fully to light by placing them within a shorter distance of the glass than it is safe to 
do in the absence of such a protection. And this is another thing which is favourable to the 
continuation of a state of inaction, and ought to be obtained as fully as possible. 
On every suitable occasion air must be^given freely in the greenhouse, not only to keep down 
the temperature, but also to dry up any damp that may arise from watering, &c. Ventilation, 
however, must be avoided in foggy weather, and in all cases when it would admit a sharp frosty 
wind or rough blast to strike upon the plants. 
It is still more momentous to retain a state of perfect torpor in tender plants in the open 
ground, than in those supplied with the pi'etection of glass. If mild weather occur, many, such 
as Tree Pseonies, delicate Roses, &c., will be very apt to show an inclination to grow ; and 
especially if the removal of their protections is not diligently resorted to at every chance. By 
keeping them constantly immured in darkness, with a close, confined, and unavoidably humid 
atmosphere, they are rendered infinitely more liable to injury from succeeding cold, and the 
disposition to precocious growth is also increased. The best material for protecting the exposed 
portion of such plants is spruce branches, which, with a little dried fern^about the roots, 
constitute a sufficient safeguard from frost, and at the same time admit a play of air around 
them. In sunny weather considerable advantage is conferred by leaving the plants exposed on 
the northern side, and placing the spruce branches so as to intercept the solar rays. 
Stove and Orchidaceous plants will generally require an increased temperature towards the 
latter part of the month, as it will be impossible longer to restrain the growing current with 
safety. The major part may now be potted if needful, and those in baskets and on blocks should 
be carefully examined. 
The forcing-pit must still be supplied with fresh plants as the former are taken away ; and a 
more extensive variety of suitable species may now be easily obtained. Many greenhouse plants 
may be slightly forced, and a considerable number of Cape Iridacese, Gardenias, Hydrangeas and 
Roses, may be selected. Before forced plants are removed to the greenhouse or conservatory, 
they should always be permitted to stand for a few days in an intermediate place, or the sudden 
transition from a close, warm atmosphere, to one so much colder, will probably destroy their 
beauty. Where there is not a separate show greenhouse, the sashes must not be opened so 
freely, and it will be well to place all the most tender kinds at the warmest end. 
