374 TEANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTUEAL 



Green-houses are so constructed as to provide just the necessary 

 conditions of atmosphere as regards moisture and temperature, so 

 that plants grown there not only thrive as well in their native sur- 

 roundings, but are even forced into more luxuriant growth and 

 brought to greater perfection than is possible in the open air, sub- 

 jected to scorching sun, blasting winds and drenching rain. These 

 conditions are difficult to produce in ordinary dwelling houses where 

 the air is dried in heating and more or less dust is always in circula- 

 tion. It is now generally conceded that an atmosphere where plant- 

 life cannot thrive, cannot be healthful for human life. In view of 

 this, the fact that plants do not usually flourish in rooms lighted by 

 gas is a significant one. 



The professional florist may close his ears, if he likes, and the 

 amateur, with roomy conservatory constructed on scientific princi- 

 ples, may turn her attention elsewhere, if she wishes, while I say a 

 few things which, though they may seem to some "flat, stale and 

 unprofitable," are drawn mostly from my own experience and obser- 

 vation. They are intended for those who have little experience and 

 at best only a sunny bay window opening from the sitting-room, in 

 which to experiment with plants. 



First of all, do not expect plants that have bloomed all summer 

 to keep right on blooming all winter; resist all temptation to lift 

 plants full of flowers from the ground just before frost comes,, 

 though I know, too well, they never look more charming than at 

 that time. Put those beautiful geraniums, that have made the gar- 

 den so brilliant for months, into the cellar, and turn your back reso- 

 lutely on those roses and carnations. They are a delusion and a 

 snare when viewed in the light of ordinary window culture. 



Above all, do not go to a green-house and buy large plants in 

 full bloom. You'll ask the florist if they will blossom like that all 

 winter, to be assured that they will if properly treated. So they 

 would if left in his charge, but you will transfer them from a damp 

 atmosphere, where the pots have been plunged in wet sand or moss, 

 the roots stimulated by bottom heat to the dry air of your room, to 

 find the change too great, they refuse to blossom if do not die forth- 

 with. Buy small plants, seedlings or cuttings just well rooted — or, 

 if you wish to get the full enjoyment out of plants, root your own 

 cuttings. It is an easy matter to do this, especially if the slips are 

 only partly severed from the stalk and left to callous over before cut- 

 ting ofp completely; then placed in a box of mixed earth and sand, 

 kept moist until roots are formed; then potted in one- or two-inch 

 pots. This should be done in early summer that the}^ may become 

 well established plants before autumn. As they grow, pinch off all 

 blossom buds that appear relentlessli/ until nearly time to house for 

 winter, the young plants must be made to give all their energies to 

 making roots and save their blossoms for a time when they are more 

 needed. They should be taken into the house early in September 



