The great object should now be to keep them moderately dry; water, when
necessary, to be given in the forenoon. Gentle fires to be applied in
the daytime, with a sufficiency of air to allow the vapour to pass off.
All decaying leaves, flower-stalks, &c., to be carefully picked off. All
weeds, moss on the surface of pots, or anything else that would tend to
cause dampness, mildew, or decomposition, to be cleared away. Pinch off
the tops of any of the half-hardy plants that are growing too rapidly.
Climbers.--To be closely tied, that they may interfere as little as
possible with the admission of light.
Forcing Pit.--The various plants described in former Calendars, and
recommended to be forwarded here for furnishing the drawing-room,
conservatory, or mixed greenhouse, will require careful and skilful
attention. Moderate syringings with tepid water to be given on suitable
occasions. Fire heat to be applied, more especially in the daytime, with
air at every favourable opportunity. The pit to be shut up early, and
the heat to be husbanded by external coverings in preference to night
heat. Syringings with the Gishurst Compound, or frequent and moderate
fumigations of tobacco smoke, to be given to destroy green fly. The
water to be always tepid when applied to the roots or branches when they
require it.
New Holland Plants.--As they are very apt to suffer when exposed to cold
draughts of air, and as they are generally wintered in the same house
with the more hardy sorts of greenhouse plants, they should occupy a
part of the house where air can be admitted, when necessary, from the
top lights only.
Orange Trees.--Advantage to be taken of unfavourable weather for
out-door work, to clean the foliage of Orange trees and Camellias. It
is as essential to the health of such things that the foliage be kept
clean, and, therefore, in a fit state to perform its functions, as that
their roots be kept in a healthy, active state.