THE FLORIST. 23 



long leaf-stalks they should be stinted in water and placed nearer 

 the window. Also, when they bend forwards, it is a proof they are 

 having too much water in proportion to their distance from the 

 glass. 



2. They want air, and therefore I generally open the window 

 once a day, even in the winter's frost ; but I do not think it so 

 necessary as is by many supposed. It seems to be of more service 

 in keeping the temperature of the room equable than for the admission 

 of fresh air. When the wind is in the east it almost always hurts 

 them ; and a thorough draught, of which many persons are far too 

 careless, is especially to be eschewed. But I have seen a plant in 

 the window of a farmhouse, and of a very ordinary kind (Lord 

 Mayor), which, for growth, number and perfection of blooms, and 

 striking general appearance, would have deservedly attracted atten- 

 tion on a field-day at Chiswick. Yet this plant had never had a 

 breath of fresh air for six months. 



3. My impression about water is, that professional florists are too 

 much afraid of it. If a plant is close to the window, the rapid growth 

 caused by superabundant water is not always a loss, nor does it 

 always deteriorate the soil in the pot so much as is supposed. In 

 cottage-windows plants often thrive, grow stout, bloom profusely, 

 and with blooms in truest shape and colour, though standing, and 

 having stood, in saucers of water for weeks or months. My cuttings, 

 if well rooted, I always set in pans of water, even in the autumn, till 

 they are as large as I wish them to be before the winter, taking care 

 to place them in the window itself while they are so treated. Even 

 the green moss on the mould and round the pot, unsightly as it is, 

 and betokening slovenliness (and therefore I never suffer it myself), I 

 fear is slandered when said to kill the plant. At least, I have seen 

 a plant perform very well for years, though covered with it. Don't 

 be talked out of your saucer of water, Mrs. Wilkins, when they tell 

 you you will drown your Geranium, and that the air cannot circulate 

 about the roots if you keep it so. There is air in the water ; and you 

 do not wash away the goodness from the mould half so much as by 

 watering it from the top, and letting the superfluous water run off 

 and carry the strength of the soil with it. Only remember, you are 

 " tendering" your plant, and that it is more likely to be touched 

 with the frost or to grow " leggy." I believe I have gained by 

 giving my plants more water than my neighbours do. One winter 

 (it was a very mild one, and the plants were growing slowly all 

 through it) I watered them freely with a rose over the leaves, and 

 never had them stronger or healthier. From seeing its evil effects 

 elsewhere, I do not think I shall do so again, but I am glad, for the 

 experiment's sake, I did it then, though I did it merely in ignorance 

 that it is dangerous, and not for the purpose of experiment. 



4. Respecting artificial heat, I have never yet needed a fire for 

 them. It is true, the room is between two others, and so has no 

 outside wall but the window-front. If the frost is only moderate, I 

 draw a green baize curtain between them and the window ; if severe, 

 I draw two ; if a " Murphy's" frost occurs, I shall burn a lamp. 



