INTRODUCTION 
Sera tiE practice of growing plants in windows and 
apartments is one of the most rational and in- 
structive amusements that can be had. 
Unfortunately this simple art is not very assid- 
here take the same interest in plants as do their sisters of the 
uously cultivated in this country. Few women 
Old World, and those who do have as yet had no opportunity 
of gaining a sufficient knowledge of the subject for lack of 
works of instruction. 
Still there is hardly a home in the whole country where plants 
are absolute strangers, for most people make attempts, at one 
time or another, to cultivate plants in their windows. That so 
many discouraging failures are made is not owing to climatic 
conditions or other natural causes, but chiefly to a bad selection 
of plants and a want of knowledge as to their proper treatment. 
Still the culture of most plants is quite simple. Give them 
sufficient nutriment, water, light, and heat, and they will grow 
and develop without much other attention. 
That which so greatly tends to make a home pleasant and 
cheerful is, therefore, within the reach of all. There is not a 
laborer’s wife so poor that she cannot have her windows full 
of flowers, if she has learned or will learn how to take proper 
interest in such things. ‘Theo is not a home so humble that it 
