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result being a tangled jungle in lieu of a pretty group. 

 We propose therefore to deal with these evils seriatim. 

 To secure proper drainage the soil box should be provided 

 with an outlet pipe with an external tap, and, prior to any 

 soil being put in, the outlet should be carefully covered 

 with concave pieces of broken pot, a good layer of the 

 same being arranged as loosely as possible all over the 

 bottom of the box as well. Upon this layer spread 

 another of mossy fibrous material so as to form a sort 

 of mat to prevent the soil settling closely down into the 

 drainage layer and choking it. The soil, consisting of a 

 rubbly open compost of loam and peat or leaf-mould in 

 equal proportions, with a liberal dash of coarse silver 

 sand, may then be filled in, and is none the worse for 

 a mixture of pieces of free — i.e. porous — stone. Any- 

 thing, indeed, which will tend to prevent the soil from 

 settling down into a wet impervious mass is good, and 

 watering should be deferred until the plants are in, and 

 any little rockwork arrangement on the surface completed. 

 Every time the case is watered the tap below should be 

 opened until all surplus is drawn off, and, this being done, 

 it is clear that with such arrangements as are indicated a 

 stagnant accumulation is an impossibility. 



As regards the second point of light, as much direct day- 

 light, but not sunshine, should be afforded as is possible; 

 the case if at a window should stand close against it, a 

 north or easterly aspect being best. At the best there is 

 always a tendency with window plants to get drawn 

 towards the light with some sacrifice of grace and vigour, 

 and the more top light or nearly top light we can afford 

 the less they will suffer in this respect. This really 

 hinges to some extent on our third point, the suitability 

 of the plants grown, which is a very material one indeed. 

 Where it is impossible to provide ample light filmy Ferns 

 and Selaginellas are alone available, and for quite cold 



