170 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



and richer looking. In observing these precautions you will be 

 doubly repaid for the time spent in caring for them. Not alone 

 in the pleasure that is derived, but the important sanitary value 

 of flowers and plants, makes them a feature of floriculture which 

 calls for special attention. One of the most important of late 

 discoveries in chemistry is that made by Prof. Wontogazza of 

 Pavia, to the effect that ozone is generated in immense quan- 

 tities by all plants and flowers possessing green leaves and aro- 

 matic odors, such as Hyacinths, Mignonnette, Heliotrope, Nar- 

 cissus, and the Cherry-laurel. Many others, equally fragrant, 

 throw off ozone largely on exposure to the sun's rays; thereby 

 making them powerful disinfectants and deodorizers. It is the 

 belief of chemists that whole districts can be redeemed from 

 the deadly malaria which infests them by simply covering them 

 with aromatic vegetation. The bearing of this upon floriculture 

 in cities is very important. Experiments have proved that the 

 air of a city contains less ozone than the surrounding country. 

 Plants and flowers and green trees, then, are a necessity. Let 

 this be a plea for the little flower pot, or tin can, whichever it 

 may be, if there is any one here who objects to them as always 

 being in the way. 



"And now the summer days are dead, 



And we have ice, frost and snow 

 To hide the Sun and cover the Earth, 

 And cold, fierce winds blow." 



And as old Boreas will be King for the next few months, we 

 will have the entire care of the delicate plants, for which we 

 prepared in the early fall, by shifting into new pots of soil, and 

 arranging for light and warmth to keep Jack Frost's icy fingers 

 from among the flowers, but if, like a thief in the night, he 

 should chance to slip in and touch the treasured ones, the thaw- 

 ing out should be gradual ; first sprinkle the foliage with cold 

 water, and as the temperature rises do not let the ascendency be 

 too fast, and for several hours not be allowed to rise above an 

 ordinary heat. Permit the sun's rays to strike upon them with 

 gradual increasing heat, and it will aid their recovery in a great 

 measure. Avoid handling the frozen plant, as the injury will be 

 much greater if the leaves become bent or broken. After a few 

 days cut back the frozen parts, to the harder wood, just beyond 

 the leaf bud, not allowing the sap to oze from the lacerated 

 parts but immediately touch with some of the soil. The plant 

 will soon begin new growth, and will be doubly dear on account 

 of the sad experience. Another important thing is the pulling 



