114 



WINDOW GARDENING. 



a number of vials quite a luxuriant growth can be imitated, but care must be 

 had to keep the vials filled with water. At intervals, two or three bits of char- 

 coal may be added to sweeten and purify, 



A good illustration of how a pic- 

 ture frame may thus be decorated 

 is afforded in figure 15, showing a 

 looking-glass with rustic frame, and 

 the Ivy twining around it. In this 

 case no vials are used, but a very 

 unique and convenient receptacle, 

 shown in figure 16. Usually all our 

 frames hang forward a little at the 

 top from the wall, and leave an 

 open space. This receptacle fits into 

 this open space at the back of the 

 top of the frame, and is very neatl}"^ 

 concealed. To make this successful 

 the frame should be of good size. 

 The receptacle is wedge-shaped, 

 and made of zinc by any tinsmith, 

 and of the right length and diame- 

 ter to fit in behind. After filling 

 with earth plant the Ivy, and let 

 its leaves ramble over and down the 

 frame. 



Such a frame should not be hung 

 near a fireplace, for the heat and 

 dust would hinder the growth of 

 Tig 15 —An Ivied Picture Frame the plant very materially. If it can 



face a north or east wmdow it is best situated. Water shotild W^ ^T 



be given daily at the same time the other plants usually receive 

 this attention — by night or early morning. Note one thing, in 

 filling this pan, to remember to place a few bits of crockery at 

 the bottom, to secure efficient drainage. Avoid giving a surfeit 

 of water. 



A very novel style of ornament is afforded in Fig. 17, designed 

 for a portable screen of Ivy. This is a box made very similar 

 to those for the window, of a length varjnng from three to six 

 feet, and one to two feet wide, mounted on castors. A number 

 of laths of wood, neatly and smoothly planed, are nailed cross- 

 ways, and fastened upright at the back of the box. Usually the 

 height is about four to four and a half feet. The entire box and 



lattice-work should be painted green ; then when dried fill the box Fig. i6.— Receptacle 



lor Ivy. 



