Rural vSchool Leaflet 



1337 



To maintain the interest in plants until those kinds that are developing 

 roots are ready to be brought in, each child should have a few freesia 

 and oxalis bulbs. These should be potted in the same way as other 

 bulbs, but after they are watered thoroughly, they should be placed 

 at once in a window. Here they will develop and flower in from six to 

 eight weeks. Chinese sacred lilies also may be obtained cheaply. These 

 grow better in water than in soil. Place the bulb in a bowl and hold 

 it firmly in place with clean, attractive pebbles; then fill the bowl with 

 water. Place the lily in a window where there will be sufficient light 

 to produce a sturdy-, compact growth. If the light is not intense enough, 



the plant will make a weak, 

 spindling growth, which is 

 not sufficiently strong to hold 

 the flower cluster upright. 



When the outdoor potted 

 bulbs are brought into the 

 schoolroom, they should be 

 placed in a shaded spot or 

 covered with an inverted 

 flowerpot for a few days in 

 order to draw the flower stem 

 well above the foliage. If a 

 flowerpot is not available, a 

 cone of thick paper may be 

 used. After a few days the 



Poet's narcissi naturalised in sod 



pots of bulbs may be placed in the window. 



WINDOW GARDENING 



One of the problems of the country school is to care for plants from 

 Friday night until Monday morning. When fires are kept continuously 

 and a plant-loving janitor is available, the solution of the problem is 

 simple; but with no fires and no janitor or one who will not bother with 

 plants, the question is serious. In a room having only north light, plant 

 growing is difficult, yet here a study of the species suited for diminished 

 light will suggest many plants that may be grown. There are few flowering 

 species, however, that are adapted for such an environment. 



As soon as the bulb planting season is over, work may be commenced 

 with window boxes. These are usually more satisfactory for school- 

 rooms than are potted plants, for, as a rule, potted plants need more 

 attention and are more susceptible to neglect, lack of water, and the like. 



Window boxes should be made of some durable material, such as hem- 

 lock or cypress boards. The children should be encouraged to raake them. 



