WINDOW GARDENING. 83 



Ventilation snould be arranged so that the air will circulate over the tops of 

 plants, and not upon the surface of the pots. 



The slope of the roof should be at an angle of 45°, as this has been proved to af- 

 ford the greatest amount of heat from the sun's rays. 



A low staging upon which the pots are to be placed, should run all around the 

 conservatory, and if it joins the wall, climbing vines may be planted which will 

 clamber over it, or brackets may be put up, which will hold pots of drooping 

 plants. If tastefully constructed, the floor should be made of tiles with pretty 

 patterns, and even various plant boxes may be made of them. 



The plants would flourish better if they were sunk in beds of sand, mould or 

 moss, instead of separate pots upon a staging. 



A thermometer is needed in every green-house, in order to regulate the tem- 

 perature, and it should hang where it cannot be afiected by the rays of the sun. 

 The temperature should not exceed 66° by day, nor fall below 45° at night. 



Water mg. — Water the plants as soon as the ball of roots begins to dry. This 

 will be visible on the surface, or by knocking against the pot. If a full, deep 

 sound is heard, there is sufficient water; if a clear, hollow sound, water is 

 needed. All plants of a rapid growth, luxuriant leaves, and masses of flow- 

 ers, require more watering than others of a delicate habit. Ferns and tropical 

 plants must have plenty of water ; succulent plants require less water. 



Watering may be done by a sprinkler or syringe, and care must be taken to 

 give water to the soil and roots, as well as to the leaves, which, if watered from 

 overhead, may often shed it and prevent any fi'om reaching the pots. 



Apply the water either at night, or so early in the morning that the heat of the 

 sun will not injure the plants. Let the water stand or drip awhile before wip- 

 ing up, permitting the moisture to permeate the atmosphere ; after two or three 

 hours the remaining water can be cleared away. 



Steps or a ladder are necessary also, to use in removing plants from the stag- 

 ing, and also to assist in watering. Standing upon them a person with a water- 

 ing pot can produce a miniature rain, which will tend to keep away all insects, 

 and also wash the leaves effectually. 



Once a week give in your waterjngs a stimulant such as has been mentioned in 

 previous chapters. 



The plants should also be frequently turned arbund so as to keep them in good 

 shape, and by frequent changing of position all have a chance at the best places. 



All the directions minutely given in former chapters as to culture, propagation, 

 potting, repotting, will apply as well to conservatories as to ordinary window 

 gardening. 



Plants. 



For the greater convenience and accommodation of private citizens, lovers of 



plants, or, perhaps, not well instructed gardeners, we give a list of decorative 



plants for greenhouses and conservatories, which are distinguished by masses of 



flowers, fine leaves, interesting habits, and easy cultivation. We do not use for 



