r 
22 THE ELORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [JANUARY, 
days, and ventilating freely to dry up any superfluity. Alternwitlieras^ Coleus^ 
&c., should be kept in a temperature ranging from 50° to 55°; towards the 
middle of the month, if a large stock is required, the temperature may be 
advanced, plunging them in bottom-heat, where they will soon produce an 
abundance of cuttings. I do not advocate starting the general stock too early, 
as in that case they seldom make such fine growth. The present stock and the 
requirements of the grower, must in a great measure be the guide in this matter. 
I advise that towards the end of the month the stock should be looked over, when 
such as there is a scarcity of should be placed in a growing temperature. Varie^ 
gated Pelargoniums will require attention in watering and airing, so as to promote 
a genial temperature. 
Plants in Cold Frames must have attention in covering. Calceolarias and 
similar subjects may remain covered during severe frosts, if they are afterwards 
carefully inured to the light. Auriculas^ being still in a dormant state, will 
require little or no water—merely sufficient to prevent flagging, care being taken 
that no water hangs upon the leaves so as to generate damp, and giving air 
freely in mild, clear weather. Carnations which were late in being potted will 
be liable to damp, and must be freely ventilated when the air is dry. 
Greenhouse plants must be kept in a quiescent state, using as little fire-heat 
as possible ; more particularly is this necessary during severe frosts, when it is 
so difficult to regulate ventilation ; give air freely upon all suitable occasions. 
Complete the tying of Azaleas and the training of plants in general. Pelargoniums^ 
both of the show and scarlet groups, must have every attention as regards water¬ 
ing, affording them a gentle heat, with careful ventilation, and keeping down 
green-fly by timely and repeated fumigations. Cinerarias and Calceolarias should 
be shifted on, before they become pot-bound. 
Towards the middle of the month the earliest batch of Fuchsias should be 
started ; they should be pruned back freely, and if placed in an early vinery, will 
come forward progressively with the Vines ; syringe freely, and as soon as the 
shoots have pushed an inch in length, shake them out and repot. This is also a 
good time to secure a good stock of cuttings for pot-culture ; these make the finest 
possible flowering plants the first season, if vigorously grown on ; a good stock of 
the finest varieties for planting out should also be secured, both the plain and 
the golden-leaved being valuable for garden embellishment. 
Stove plants must be kept from growing as long as possible; nothing is 
gained by exciting them too soon, or by early potting. Towards the end of the 
month a few soft-wooded plants, as Gloxinias^ Caladiums^ Begonias^ Achimenes, 
&c., may bo started for early blooming, and various subjects will require cutting 
back preparatory to starting. Give attention to the training and pruning of all 
plants on rafters and trellises ; wage a war of extermination against all insects, 
and forward by every means all operations conducive to a start next month. 
Conservatories attached to the mansion are now gay with a mixed assemblage 
of stove and greenhouse plants. It is astonishing what a length of time flowers 
will stand at this season in a healthy atmosphere of about 50°, if care be taken 
about the supply of water at the root. In arranging Orchids and other tender 
plants, they should, as far as possible, be placed in the hottest part, giving Heaths 
and the hardier portion of the plants the most exposed positions. Camellias must 
not suffer for want of water at the root; they do not develop their flowers kindly 
in a temperature exceeding 45° to 50°. It is important to remove the plants, as 
they cease flowering, into a temperate house, so that they may be brought to rest, 
Poinsettias and Euphorbias being partially dried off. Keep the forcing-house 
well supplied with plants for succession, of which there is great variety. Success 
