The decline of temperature and less watering must go on progressively,
more especially in dull weather, with free ventilation at all
favourable opportunities. If the weather be cold, use a little fire-heat
occasionally during the day, especially where there are many plants in
bloom, that ventilation may be given to expel damp and stagnant air.
Cinerarias.--Plants that have filled their small pots with roots to be
shifted, according to their size and strength, into larger pots. The
compost to be one part turfy loam, one part peat or leaf mould, and one
part rotten horsedung. They delight on a cool bottom, and will thrive
tolerably well in a cold pit, protected from frost during the winter.
They should be placed on a dry bottom of coal ashes, and kept as near to
the glass as possible.
Heaths.--They may, if there is no room for them in the greenhouse,
be kept in a cold pit, or frame, during the winter. Water to be given
carefully on the forenoon of a fine day. Frost to be excluded by mats,
or other covering; but they can be grown sufficiently hardy by free
exposure to bear a few degrees of frost without injury if they are
shaded from the sun's rays until gradually thawed.
Mignonette.--Sow, to come into bloom about the end of February. The soil
to be rich, light, and the pots to have a good supply of crocks at
the bottom, as the success of growing this favourite plant through the
winter will depend in a great measure upon the drainage and keeping the
plants dry and untouched by frosts. Those who have a hotbed frame will
find it useful to start the seeds by moderate heat. Others who have no
such convenience may place their pots in a cold frame in a sheltered
situation, and upon a floor of rough stones overlaid with ashes.
Pelargoniums.--The more dormant they can be kept during the winter the
better. Therefore, only a very moderate supply of water should be
given to keep them from flagging, and a liberal supply of air at all
favourable opportunities.
Verbenas.--To be placed on swing or other shelves as near to the glass
as possible. They require plenty of air, the extirpation of green fly,
and a moderate supply of water to preserve them in a healthy condition.