274 
OPERATIONS FOR JANUARY. 
lighten the burden of spring-work. The outset of the new year brings a return of the period 
when Orchids must have a general potting ; by general, we mean of course, that the majority of a 
collection being about to commence a new growth, they will be in a fit state to pot, or be treated 
in a manner equivalent to that operation being performed. It is best not to interfere with any 
but those which are awaking from repose ; and in dealing with them we would recommend that 
plants of medium size, as being the most interesting, have the greatest share of encouragement 
given them ; for splendid as are large specimens when in bloom, they are not the most attractive 
in any other state, and certainly cannot be so conveniently accommodated nor easily managed, as 
smaller ones. Let the increase of temperature and humidity in the Orchid house be gradual, and 
the additional supply of water to the plants, especially newly-potted ones, cautiously administered. 
An occasional dressing with the syringe or hand-engine, on a fine day, should not be forgotten, 
and the utmost vigilance ought to be in exercise for the destruction of insects among the family. 
Many stove plants will require potting in the course of the month, and probably some from the 
greenhouse also. In addition to a higher temperature being maintained in the former erection, 
and everything kept fresh and sweet, no opportunity of seeking to eradicate insects should be 
lost ; their multiplication is apt to be as rapid as the growth of the plants, on the introduction of 
a growing temperature. Propagation by cuttings, suckers, division, &c., as plants form new 
shoots, will require attending to ; and seeds of many exotics may be put in, as also those of some 
annuals to flower early in spring, both in pots and in the open ground. The increase of flower- 
garden plants must continue to be prosecuted as circumstances may require. Any placed in 
gentle warmth will soon supply abundance of cuttings. 
The degrees of watchfulness required to be kept in exercise, and the measures to be taken 
for the preservation of plants, will necessarily depend upon the state of the weather. Enough 
will have been done, there is little doubt, owing to the wintry experience of the past month 
having been regarded as an earnest of what might be expected ere the season is passed through, 
to secure tender plants under all circumstances, from harm by frost ; and it is necessary to make 
sufficient provision, but it is better to aim at producing in tender things, especially those wholly in 
the open air, the capability to bear cold, rather than have recourse to extraordinary means for 
warding it off. If mildness in the weather prevail, it must not be looked upon as trouble to undo 
a great deal that may have been done for the protection of plants, that they may be exposed and 
kept dormant. In giving this direction, we are not forgetting there are instances in which 
plants are prevented from commencing to grow at an improper time by being protected from 
mildness of season, and therefore it may occur that this kind of harm has to be guarded against. 
Though it may not have been necessary to fortify much against cold up to this date, everything 
employable, to shield from its effects, should not have to be got in readiness, neither must it be 
forgotten that it will be wisdom to hold it so. 
The flower-forcer has begun to reap the reward of his labours, by having many plants in 
flower now. He must continue to have those things committed to his care experience has taught 
are best for producing flowers. Some of the inmates of the stove and greenhouse, whose 
blooming season is at hand, may be given in his charge to be gently brought forward. Do not 
forget to treat as they deserve plants cheering this time of year by blooming without assistance. 
In the open air do anything that can be done. Attend to valuable hardy perennials : 
Carnations, Auriculas, and such things, simply require to be kept dormant and free from vermin, 
whose attacks they are liable to. 
Errata. — From “provide appendages,” fourth line from the bottom, page 18, go to “for the 
reception of water,” line eighteen from the top of the next page, which, with what succeeds as 
far as “ the consideration,” last line, page 1 9, and first on page 20, should precede “ of this last 
subject,” fourth line from the bottom, page 18, and what follows. 
In the specific character of Eriostemon scabrum, page 127, for Leaves “ many- veined,” read 
“ many curved.” 
