INTKODUCTION. 
'I^HEN I began the series of works known as The Ladies’ Flower Garden, I stated tbat I 
intended at some future period to devote one of the series to greenhouse and hothouse 
plants, and I propose to redeem my pledge in the present volume. As, however, my works are 
intended solely for amateurs, and as the more tender kinds of stove plants cannot be grown well 
without the aid of a regular gardener, I have confined myself in the following pages chiefly to 
greenhouse plants; and I have only mentioned such hothouse plants as may be set out in the 
open air during summer; or, at any rate, that may be placed in a greenhouse or room when in 
flower. 
The plants I am now about to describe are, generally speaking, more beautiful than any included 
in my previous works, as they are natives of countries where the sun has most power, and where 
consequently colours are the brightest; but they also demand rather more care in the culture, 
especially when kept in pots. When exotic plants are grown in the free soil, as they generally 
are in a conservatory, the principal points to be attended to are to keep the house at a proper 
heat, and to give the necessary supplies of air and water. The heat of the house should be 
about 50°; and though it should never be allowed to fall below 45°, equal care should be taken 
to prevent it from mounting higher than 60°. Too much fire-heat, especially when there is not 
a strong degree of fight from the sun, weakens the plants, and makes them become drawn up 
and blanched. It should never be forgotten in the culture of greenhouse plants, that they may 
be killed by too much heat, or too much damp, as well as by cold. Air should be given in the 
middle of every day, unless it is absolutely freezing; and air is necessary, as well as fire heat, 
to dry up the damp. Air should always be given by opening the upper sashes ; and unless these 
are made to open, or there is a ventilator in the wall near the roof, the plants cannot be 
kept in health. Watering is another important part of culture, as plants under glass are deprived 
of the advantage of rain ; and they should not only be regularly watered at the roots while in a 
growing state, but they should be frequently syringed over the leaves; as, unless the leaves are 
kept healthy, and their pores open, the functions of vegetable life cannot go on properly. At 
B 
