12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



time that could be more profitably employed in some other \ray, to have a few 

 house jilaiits, to adorn our -windows and shed their refining influence over our 

 homes. The most they require is an abundance of light, pure air, and a drink 

 of water -when tliirsty. 



A shelf supported by a couple of brackets is very easily arranged, and is 

 more convenient tlian a table, or even a flower stand, for it not onlv occupies 

 less room, but does not interfere witii swee})ing in the least. 



Some plants will not thrive without sunlight ; few will repay you Avith blosoms 

 without it, but if you give them a sunny window, and a judicious quantity of 

 water, there are many varieties that will l)loom all winter. 



Plants are like children. Parents seldom find the dispositions, or even the 

 appetites, of all tiieir children precisely alike; so with plants we must study 

 their wants and give them food according to their several needs. 



The heliotrope and fuchsia are gross feeders, Tlie colons has a brighter 

 <;o\oY and grows most luxuriantly in a poor and light soil. The calla and 

 eupatorium require a great amount of water, while the hoya or wax plant 

 and cactus thrive best with but little. 



The practice of giving plants a little water every day is very injurious, and 

 to some even death. AVlien you water tliem give a thorough drenching, then 

 wait until they require it again, which you will soon be able to know by the 

 sound of the jar when lightly struck. 



It is not only for the beauty, but the health of the plant requires that all 

 dead leaves and faded blossoms bo removed as fast as they a))pear. 



I have derived the most benefit from use of fertilizers applied in liquid form, 

 though care should be used in their application. 



The insects the window gardener has most to contend with are the scale or 

 bark louse, the aphis or green fly, and more rarely the red spider. Writers 

 upon the red spider say it can be overcome by the fumes of sulphur, I pre- 

 sume they would prove effectual, not only to kill the pests but the plants also. 

 It is much easier to avoid tlieni than to rid the plant of them when once in- 

 fested, and they will not appear if the air is sufficiently moist. 



A- decoction of tobacco, not too strong, is excellent to shower roses and 

 heliotropes, and is not relished by the the bark louse. Tobacco smoke will 

 kill the green fly. Frequent showerings with clear water is a great jireven- 

 tive to all these pests, I could enlarge upon tliis subject almost indefinitely, 

 but not wishing to weary you, I will only say "Flowers are ever welcome," and 

 they beautify and shed their fragrance in the humble cottage as well as the 

 stately mansion. 



Who that has daily watched the beautiful calla, as it unfolded its bright 

 green leaves, and its pure white calyx, but has been led to look up with reverent 

 and tlninkful hearts to Ilim who has bestowed upon us so freely, "Earth's 

 children," — lovely flowers I 



Mr, liowe. — I think it is a capital idea that the ladies are to take a part in 

 our exercises, and such papers as lias just been given us will help us to ai)i)reci- 

 iite our wiiole field, and I trust we may have more of them. In smoking plants 

 I think Mrs, Satterlce will find it policy to remove her heliotrope as it is quite 

 impatient of smoke, 



Mr. AVhitney. — The red spider is more frequent than we know ; and an insect 

 that can scarcely be seen save by a microscope is a pretty small thing to deal 

 with. I have had as much trouble with it on pot roses as anywliere, and have 

 found a good thorough drenching with whale oil soap suds an excellent remedy. 



