/ MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 31 
In selecting the type of box to be used, cost and durability 
must be taken into consideration. The wooden box still pre- 
dominates, but it is gradually being replaced by more lasting 
and more ornamental receptacles. Terra-cotta, vitrified clay, 
and concrete are often employed in making boxes con- 
forming to the general architecture of the Pailding and 
although the initial cost is considerable, they are prac- 
tically indestructible and so in the end are the ‘leak 
expensive. The weight is the chief objection to boxes 
of this type, as they require strong, durable supports, 
eliminating any danger of collapse. However, there should 
be no difficulty in arranging satisfactory supports on 
any well-constructed building, many buildings, jin : 
sessing ledges especially suited for such decoration. ere 
are also a number of self-watering zine and iron boxes which 
meet with favor where daily attention may prove an objec- 
tionable feature. It should be emphasized, however, that a 
wooden box constructed of such durable material as cypress 
or redwood, painted inside and out, and covered with the 
bark of cedar, hemlock, or birch, makes a very ornamental 
and satisfactory receptacle lasting several seasons. 
Window boxes vary a great deal in size. The length of 
the box is a minor feature providing it is in keeping with 
the size of the window, but the depth and the width are of 
considerable importance. No box should be less than 6 inches 
deep, and 8-10 inches would be still better, and the width 
should vary from 6 to 9 inches. When boxes are placed 
upon long sills it is best to have them in sections, otherwise 
they are unwieldy to handle and require strong supports. 
Where the sill is wide enough, screw-eyes in the window- 
frame and the box, connected by a wire, will be sufficient 
to hold the box in place. Usually the ledges are made 
sloping, so that it will be necessary to place strips of wood 
under the front part of the box to insure a level position. 
Boxes in upper-story windows should have galvanized iron 
drip-pans to catch the drip. These should be about 2 inches 
wide than the box, which should rest inside the pan upon 
cleats to allow for free escape of water. 
Drainage should be thoroughly looked after. It is true 
that eons the outside boxes suffer more from lack of 
moisture than over-abundance of it; nevertheless, if no means 
is provided for getting rid of the surplus water, except 
through evaporation, the plants will suffer. It is difficult 
mae to grow plants satisfactorily under down-town con- 
ditions without imposing upon them any additional hard- 
ships. A number of half-inch holes should be made in the 
bottom of the box, and these partly covered with pieces of 
