146 THE LADIES* MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
There is no limit to the application of this principle : instead of ajar, 
it is easy to construct, in the window-sill, a box extending throughout its 
entire length, the bottom and sides being lined with zinc, to prevent the 
moisture from damaging the adjoining wood-work; then let the window 
be a double one, like those in Russia, leaving a space of six or twelve 
inches between the inner and outer glass. The ferns so planted in the 
box, which should contain a depth of five or six inches of light sandy 
earth, will soon fill up the space between the two windows, supplying 
the most beautiful curtain or blind that could be invented. The plants 
need not be ferns exclusively—Roses, Fuchsias, &c. would also thrive ; 
but it must always be borne in mind, that plants requiring a humid 
atmosphere should not be enclosed with those which prefer aridity: of 
course the upper sash alone must be made moveable. Extending the 
plan still farther—a large garden, entirely enclosed with glass; all the 
doors should be fitted with great nicety and exactness, and would be 
better if double, and always one of them shut before the second is 
opened.—( Newmans Ferns .) 
QUERIES AND ANSWERS. 
WINTER-FLOWERING HEATHS. 
I have long been very fond of Heaths ; and I wish particularly to know 
what kinds will flower in winter. Can you favour me with a list of those 
most ornamental in December, January, and February, with a few hints 
for their culture ?—M. T. 
Lancaster, February 1, 1841. 
fa> 
One of the most beautiful of the winter Heaths is that appropriately 
named Erica hyemalis , with a profusion of blush-coloured flowers ; but 
many others are often very abundantly in flower during the winter months. 
Of these Erica Archeriana retains its fine red flowers nearly all the winter ; 
E. ollula has rose-coloured flowers; E. autumnalis has red flowers; E. 
grandinosa is a handsome species, the flowers of which are white; E. 
Bowieana is white ; E. vestita coccinea , and E. v. superba , both splendid 
plants, have red flowers, and both require a loamy soil, like that used for 
Geraniums; E. Sebana lutea has yellow shining flowers, and should be 
grown in lime rubbish mixed with very sandy peat; E. Lambertiana has 
white flowers; E. caffra , white fragrant flowers; E. imbricata , pink 
