House Plants. 231 



along with my other plants, to the kitchen sink once or 

 twice each week, and give them a throrough doucin^, 

 which, removes all dust, and thoroughly cleanses and re- 

 freshes the foliage. Every other day they get a light show- 

 ering from a fine rubber sprinkler, where they stand in the 

 sitting room. That is easily done without wetting the car- 

 pet much, if a little care is exercised. Such ferns as Pters- 

 serrutata and Pteris longifolium, Asplensium lueliferum, 

 Polystichium angulare, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and He- 

 Phrolepis exaltata, give great satisfaction. These, along 

 with many of the palm family and numerous other orna- 

 mental foliaged plants, have the additional merit of being 

 adapted for the decoration of rooms, where no sunshine ever 

 enters. Aspidistra lurida variegata, a plant having long 

 lance-shaped leaves beautifully striped with v>^hite and green, 

 will do well in a room where no sunshine, and but little light 

 ever enters. 



The following palms are also useful for such situations, or 

 they may be placed with equally good results in any aspect: 

 Latansa borbonica, a noble looking plant having large fan- 

 shaped leaves; Chamacrops hum hamilis, excelsa and for- 

 tumi; Phoenix dactylifera. This latter is the palm which sup- 

 plies the dates of commerce; it is a very beautiful plant; Sea- 

 forthiaelegans is especially worthy of mention. Many more 

 equally good might be named. These plants, of course, are 

 only valued for their ornamental foliage. Some people have 

 a decided preference for the so-called flowering plants, 

 which are, beyond question, very desirable, although gen- 

 erally rather more difficult to manage th^n the majority of 

 ornamental leaved plants. But that need not deter any one 

 having a suitable room, with a window having an east, 

 south or west aspect, from attempting their culture. The 

 very best results may be obtained, if suitable plants are cul- 

 tivated, and care in their management is exercised. The 

 following plants seldom fail to give satisfaction: Albutilous, 

 achimiaes, amasyllis, alyssum, begonias, including all the 

 new bulbous sorts, many of them being perfectly gorgeous. 

 Fuchsias, geraniums, gloxinias, hilbiscus, Japan lilies, mig- 

 nonette, oxalis, vallota, purpurea; these usually flower in 



