Many plants not wanted for blooming may be easily preserved during the winter in a partial state of rest, in a light cellar, where there is no danger of frost. The best method of doing this is to take up such plants as Roses, Geraniums, Lantanas, Lemon Verbenas, etc., with a good quantity of soil about the roots, and place them in boxes, packing the soil closely about the roots. Place the boxes in the cellar, and do not water unless the. soil becomes nearly dust dry, when they must be watered a very little. Should the cellar be very warm, the plants must be less freely watered than in a cool cellar.

When the plants are desired for growth, cut back closely, give them a thorough watering, and bring into the full light in a warm room. Roses are particularly successful when brought from the cellar in January or February, after a season of two or three months' rest. In this case the soil used at the time of taking them from the ground should be rich. Cannas, Caladiums, etc., may be successfully wintered, if the cellar be warm and dry.

Frozen Plants

Should one be so unfortunate as to have plants slightly frozen, the proper thing to be done is to get the frost out as quickly as possible; for many plants that would not be injured by freezing for a short time, would be destroyed if they were kept in a frozen condition for several hours. To remove the frost most quickly, if the plant be small, dip it into a pail of cold water, or, if large, place it in the sink and give it a good showering.

Protection From Frosts

No material is better or more convenient for this purpose than ordinary newspapers. A plant wrapped in three or four thicknesses of paper may be kept in a room with the temperature down to 2 0° above zero all night, and not be injured.

Change Of Temperature

It is necessary to follow natural changes of temperature. Out of doors we find the temperature varying some 10° to 200 from night to day, and even more when the sun shines brightly. So in the house we must have these changes for the best growth. Plants must have pure air, also, as well as animals; and every clay, when the temperature outside is above freezing, the windows must be raised, or ventilation given in such a way as to avoid a direct draught of cold air upon the plant. Sunlight is also indispensable; and, if plants cannot be placed where the sunlight will reach them some part of the day, they should be put where the sun will strike them once or twice each week for an hour or two.