OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 47 
tive to the extent of improvement which the adoption of the system here pro- 
pounded is calculated to effect on this favourite plant. 
In the autumn, prior to the usual period for the occurrence of frost, a small 
quantity of some loose and dry material may be placed around the base of the 
stem of each plant for protection, and as soon as the leaves and shoots are injured 
by frost, the stems may be cut down to within two or three inches of the base, 
and the roots taken from the ground. They should be removed with a portion of 
soil attached, and immediately placed in a dry shed, loft, or other apartment, 
plunging them in light and rather dry earth. If the apartment be a close one, and 
the roots copiously covered with dry straw, they will not require any attention 
during the winter, except an occasional examination, to ascertain that they are 
secure from frost, and to counteract any tendency to either an excess of moisture 
or drought. Care should be taken to remove them from this situation either 
before or immediately after their growth has commenced, when they may be 
tended as previously suggested. 
These hints are not given at a venture ; for, although we have not had an 
opportunity of testing their propriety, they are based upon an almost unerring 
foundation — the habits of the plant. The method herein proposed is divested of 
every difficulty which could create an objection, and appears to us the best adapted 
to ensure an augmentation of the splendour and attractions of this most magni- 
ficent species. As such, we leave it with our readers, to adopt or improve, 
according as it may harmonize with their own opinions or experience. 
OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 
March is, almost to a proverb, the month for seed-sowing ; and it may like- 
wise be considered the season for the general excitation of all kinds of plants. 
Contrary to the usual practice of diminishing the temperature of the plant-stove 
as the spring advances, we would recommend a gradual but decided augmentation. 
All tropical plants are naturally subjected, during their growing stage, to an 
intense and continuous degree of heat, and to cultivate them successfully this 
treatment must be imitated. If, as we have before suggested, the winter be 
allowed them for repose, the system now advocated is not only practicable, but 
precisely that which will prove the most suitable. 
The advantages of this method are great and manifest. Both economy and 
superior beauty will be the result. First, the plants will be thus vigorously 
incited during the period in which alone their growth can be of a healthy nature. 
Secondly, a high temperature, accompanied by a corresponding degree of light, 
and supplied only for a definite time, will cause them to perfect and mature 
their shoots, and thus render their flowering or fruitful organs more prolific, 
besides placing them farther beyond the reach of injury from subsequent cold. 
