28 
THE FLORIST. 
borders, &c., occasionally. Conservatory .—If not yet done, prune the 
twiners, cutting back freely and reducing the dimensions of everything 
whicli obstructs the light, as far as can consistently be done ; at the 
same time thoroughly cleaning the glass and woodwork. Do not allow 
plants growing in the borders which bloom at this season to feel the 
want of moisture at the root, but those in a dormant state, especially 
such as are scarcely hardy in the winter temperature of this house, can 
scarcely be kept too dry. Use every exertion to make the best possible 
display in this house at present, and until flowers become plentiful in 
the open garden, for they will be much more esteemed during the 
winter and early spring than when they become plentiful out-of-doors; 
therefore introduce into heat at intervals of about three weeks Hyacinths 
and other bulbs, hardy scarlet and other hybrid Rhododendrons, 
selecting the early blooming kinds for the first lot, also Ghent and other 
hardy Azaleas, Kalmia latifolia, Deutzia gracilis, Roses, and any other 
suitable things of which there may be a stock. But, useful as these 
things are, we greatly prefer Camellias, Epacrises, Acacias, Daphnes, 
and other greenhouse winter blooming plants ; and where flowers are 
in demand at this season, a good stock of these should be provided, 
especially of Camellias, and the beautiful and deliciously scented 
Luculia gratissima should occupy a portion of every conservatory which 
has to be kept gay in winter. Keep everything about the house as 
trim and clean as possible, and occasionally rearrange the plants, which 
will greatly add to their interest. In case much fire-heat is necessary, 
see that the atmosphere is not allowed to become too dry, but avoid 
excess of moisture, which would be liable to injure the blooms of many 
things, in the event of the temperature falling too low at night. The 
temperature must be regulated according to the class of plants which 
occupy the house, but in most cases it may range from 45^ to 55°, 
allowing it to sink to 40° on severe nights. Give a little air on the 
sheltered side of the house, whenever this can safely be done. Cold 
Frames .—In the event of severe and continuous frost, it will be diffi¬ 
cult to winter anything here uninjured, save such as are nearly hardy, 
unless the frames or pits are fitted with pipes, so as to allow of removing 
the covering during the day, &c.; and the expense of a two-inch flow 
and return pipe would be very trifling, and would render the pits 
equally suitable for the winter as for the summer accommodation of 
greenhouse stock of all kinds. But if fire-heat is at command use it 
sparingly, and do not dispense with covering on frosty nights. Give a 
little air on every favourable opportunity. Attend carefully to Cine¬ 
rarias and Calceolarias, and see that they are not infested with Aphis, 
and keep them rather close, to induce free growth, and do not allow them 
to feel the want of pot room until they are in their blooming pots. Tie 
out the shoots of the former, and plants for late blooming, if not already 
done, should be stopped at the fourth or fifth joint, to induce them to 
form fine bushes. Peg down the shoots of Calceolarias, so that they 
can root into the soil. Examine hard-wooded plants and other things 
frequently for mildew, and apply sulphur on the first appearance of this 
pest. Water carefully, and keep hard-wooded plants rather on the 
side of dryness at the root. Greenhouse .—Take advantage of every 
