The Garden Under Glass

342 THE GARDEN UNDER GLASS better by this means. Bring azaleas, deutzias, lilacs, spaphyleas, spiræas and similar forcing plants into heat a few at a time. Pinch the points out of show pelar-goniums if the growths are sufficiently advanced. Be-ware of rats and mice, which are very partial to tulips in the frame. Shake out old corms of gloxinias, soak them well and start them in heat in boxes of leaf-soil. Put a handlight or small frame over Christmas roses to forward the flowers and to keep them clean. Cart all available road grit from the neighbouring roads unless much tar is fused on them. If stored in a dry place it will prove useful for mixing with other soil for potting. During wet weather or evenings make a sufficient quantity of flower boxes. Keep the fire going steadily du ring the day and more vigorously at night, to prevent sharp fluctuations of temperature, which are especially harmful at this season. Dry all flower pots before using. Often they appear dry when they are not, and if plants are potted in wet, dirty or damp pots they will not turn out without serious breakage of roots. Do not attempt this month to pot plants which may safely be left till the turn of the year. Be very careful to water plants only when they really need it. There is great danger of over-watering just now. Watcr frames in the morning, as if left wet from an afternoon watering they are more liable to injury from frost. Take an impartial survey of successes and failures during the past year, and try to do better next year. There is always room for improvement. It is the largest room in the world.