WINDOW GARDENING. 213 



the whole with water, and see that each cutting is fixed and immovable with- 

 out a strong pull. Upon the close contact of cutting and soil depends half of 

 your success. Keep in a temperature not over 50° during the winter, and 

 among the cuttings will be found several which have the heads of future bloom 

 in the upper leaves, and the perfect flowers will expand by April or Maj'. 



Of course the cuttings must not be allowed to become dry. Most plants col- 

 lect during the summer a greater store of nutriment than is required for their 

 support during the winter; so if cuttings of Oleander, Hydrangeas, Cacti, etc., 

 are taken late in the season, they possess quite a store of nutriment, and will 

 grow better, and flower more profusely. 



The only trouble is that these late cuttings require more care to keep them 

 alive during the winter than if they had been made in the spring, but where 

 there is no difficulty, there is no honor. 



Bouinrdia. 



These winter blooming plants are invaluable in every conservatory or indoor 

 garden. They are of a shrubby character, of the easiest culture and becom- 

 ing exceedingl}^ popular. They have the merit of being free bloomers, flowering 

 in clusters of varied colors from pink to crimson, scarlet and white, and their 

 flowers are considered excellent for bouquets. As plants for the decoration of 

 the lawn, also, it is doubtful if they have any superior. In outdoor culture they 

 will bloom from August down until cold weather, and if lifted within doors be- 

 fore frost, they will continue blooming down until March. 



They are popular with every florist on account of their profusion of bloom, 

 and the number and excellence of varieties seems to increase yearly. Still they 

 are little known in any of our country homes or family flower gardens. They 

 are essentially lovers of the hot house during the winter, needing a temperature 

 at night of 55° to flower well. 



They are propagated chiefly from pieces of the roots, as cuttings do not grow 

 easily; yet it is best for all amateurs at first to procure their plants already 

 started, and then by degrees learn the art of reproduction. 



The plants require training, and the tops should be nipped off frequently in 

 the summer to give them a bushy shape. They are also tender, and a slight 

 chill only will prove injurious. Give them a good supply of water when in full 

 flower, less in summer. 



The usual method of culture is to let them grow during the summer in the 

 common garden border ; then in the fall lift them, pack very closely in 

 sand filled boxes, and store in the cellar to keep through the winter. If desired 

 to bloom during the winter, cut back one-half the wood, water sparingly, 

 place in the cellar for six weeks, then bring to the heat and light, give a copious 

 watering, and in a few days you will have a fine bloom. 



The soil for potting should be loam, leaf mould, peat, and a little sprinkling 

 of silver sand ; pot firmly. If you wish immediate bloom, let the plants stand out 

 doors in the fall, two weeks before you bring them to the conservatory, and 



