280 THE NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [4:9— dec, .908 



weak solution at first, gradually increasing the number of applica- 

 tions. Well-rotted cow manure may be mixed with the soil at 

 the time of potting. Many of the commercial fertilizers are 

 indispensible for some plants, but unless known they should be 

 carefully used. Dried blood and bone meal are quickly available 

 to the plant and contain an abundance of nitrogen. Kainit or 

 German potash contains about twelve per cent of potash. Sheep 

 manure also is excellent, but should be used sparingly. Such 

 fertilizers may be procured from any first-class seedsman at a 

 comparatively small expense. It should be remembered that 

 plants in a flourishing or growing condition take up manure more 

 rapidly than at any other time, but do not over feed. 



Insufficient nourishment in the soil is often indicated by weak 

 stems and yellow leaves. For class work nothing is more interest- 

 ing than making various combinations of soils with different fer- 

 tilizers and recording the result as compared with soils unfei- 

 tilized. 



Selecting Plants. The best plan upon which to build a collec- 

 tion of plants for window culture is to select plants that are 

 known to endure the dry atmosphere of our schoolrooms. 

 Plants with small stomata or leathery leaves possess this resisting 

 power. The teacher, however, is usually obliged to confine her 

 collection to the specimens brought by the students. It is well 

 to know the names of the plants, also learn their native habitat, 

 geographical distribution, and whether or not they possess any 

 economic value. The teacher should encourage the students to 

 visit the local florist, ask questions and discuss what they have 

 learned in the class-room. 



One of the best window plants is the geranium, but some varie- 

 ties do better in the winter than others. The foliage of the rose- 

 leaf geranium and fish geranium are sweet scented; they are 

 easily grown in either a box or pot. The beautiful Lady Wash- 

 ington geranium does equally well, but must be given a rest dur- 

 ing the summer months. Some of the fancy-leaved geraniums 

 are excellent for foliage effects. 



The bulbous plants are among the best for early winter bloom- 

 ing. They should be potted or boxed as soon as possible after 

 purchasing, or stored in a cool place until wanted. After potting, 

 the pots should be set in a cool, dark place until root-growth is well 

 along, when they may be brought to the light. If the pots are 



