140 HOT-HOUSE. [February. 
once a week. That the foliage of the plants may always 
appear fresh, syringe them every morning, when there is the 
appearance of sun. At present, this will in a great measure 
keep down the insects, and will prove a bane to the red 
spider. 
Tie up neatly with stakes and threads of Russia mat all 
the straggling growing plants • let the stakes be proportion- 
ate to the plants, and never longer, except they are climbing 
sorts. Do not tie the branches in bundles, but singly and 
neatly, imitating nature as much as possible. If any of the 
plants are affected with the Oocus insect, let them be cleansed 
according to the plan already mentioned, taking particular 
care also in washing the stakes to which they had been pre- 
viously tied, and burning all the old tyings, which contain 
the larvae of the insect in many instances, especially of 
Cocks hesperichts. It is premised^ when any of these things 
are done, that they will be well done, and not half doing, 
and always doing. Cleanliness, in every respect, promotes 
a pure air, which is congenial to vegetation, and will, with 
other attentions, always assume a healthful and vigorous ap- 
pearance in the house. 
FEBRUARY. 
In the early part of this month, the weather generally is 
very cold and changeable in the Middle States, and strict 
attention, with the greatest caution, will require to be paid 
to the management of the hot-house. Most of the tropical 
plants commence an active state of vegetation ; and, if 
checked by temperature or otherwise, they will not recover 
until midsummer. The thermometer may be kept two or 
three degrees higher with fire heat than last month : the sun 
will be more powerful, and this will, in a great degree, in- 
crease the vigour of the plants. Air may be admitted when 
the thermometer rises to 75° or 80°, not allowing it to rise 
higher than the latter. In giving air, let it be done by the 
top sashes. It is improper to give it in any way to cause a 
current, for the external air is yet very cold, although the 
