December.'] ROOMS. 303 
DECEMBER. 
As the trying season is now approaching for all plants 
that are kept in rooms, especially those that are desired to 
have a flourishing aspect through the winter, a few general 
instructions (although they may have been previously ad- 
vanced) will perhaps be desirable to all those who are 
engaged in this interesting occupation, which forms a luxury 
through the retired hours of a winter season, and with very 
little attention many are the beauties of vegetative nature 
that will be developed to the gratification of every reflecting 
mind. The following is a routine of every-day culture : — 
Do not at any time admit air (except for a few moments) 
while the thermometer is below 35°, exposed in the shade. 
In time of very severe frosts the plants ought to be with- 
drawn from the window to the centre of the room during 
night. 
Never give water until the soil in the pots is inclining to 
become dry, except for Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs 
that are in a growing state, which must be liberally sup- 
plied. 
Destroy all insects as soon as they appear : for the means 
of destruction, see next month. 
Give a little air every favourable opportunity (that is, 
when the thermometer is above 35°, exposed in the shade),' 
by putting up the window one, two, or three inches, accord- 
ing to the state of the weather. 
Clean the foliage with sponge and water frequently to 
remove all dust, &c. The water thus used must not exceed 
80°, but 60° is preferable. 
Turn the plants frequently to prevent them growing to 
one side. 
Roses of the daily sort may be obtained early by having 
them in a warm room that has a south window, and as soon 
as they begin to grow admit air in small portions about noon 
every day that the sun has any effect. Such must be well 
supplied with water. 
Bulbs in glasses must be supplied with fresh water at least 
once a-week, in which period they will inhale all the nutri- 
