fortnight, watering it if it is dry.
Then mark out the bed, allowing 1 ft. or more each way than the size
of the frame. Shake the compost well up, and afterwards beat it down
equally with the fork. Place the frame on the bed, leaving the lights
off for four or five days to allow the rank steam to escape. Keep a
thermometer in the frame, and as soon as the temperature falls below
70 degrees apply a lining of fresh dung to the front and one side of
the bed, and when this again declines, add another lining to the back
and other side, and so on from time to time as occasion requires. The
mats used for covering the frames in frosty weather should be made to
fit the top, and not hang over the sides.
Houseleek.--_See_ "Sempervivum."
Houstonia Coerulea.--These hardy little evergreens are more generally
known as Bluets. They make charming ornaments for rock-work, planted
between large stones, but in this position they need protection from
severe frosts. When planted in pots and placed in a cold frame they
show to most advantage. A mixture of leaf-mould and sand, and a
moist but well-drained situation is what they delight in. They bloom
continuously from April to July. Height, 3 in.
Hovea Celsi.--A greenhouse shrub, which is evergreen and elegant when
in flower in June. A sandy loam and peat soil is most suitable, and
it may be increased by cuttings planted in sand under a hand-glass.
Height, 3 ft.
Humea.--A remarkably handsome and graceful plant, the leaves of which
when slightly bruised yield a strong odour. It is equally suitable for
the centre of beds or large borders, and placed in pots on terraces or
the lawn it is very effective. The seed should be raised on a gentle
hotbed, then potted off and kept in the greenhouse till the second
year, when it may be turned out into a warm situation. It generally
succeeds better in such a position than in the greenhouse. Flowers in
July. Height, 6 ft. to 8 ft.
Humulus Japonicus.--(_Japanese Hop_).--A hardy annual Hop of rapid
growth, the leaves of which are splashed with white. Useful for
covering arbours, verandahs, etc. A deep, loamy soil suits it best.
Increased by seed sown in gentle heat in February, and gradually
hardened off. Flowers in July. Height, 20 ft.
Hutchinsia Alpina.--This small alpine creeper is a profuse bloomer,
its glistening white flowers being produced at all seasons. It grows
in moist vegetable mould, and bears transplanting at any season. Care,
howe
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