INTRODUCTION 3 
greatest barriers to the progress of American window-garden- 
ing. Plants coming from high altitudes, from snow-covered 
mountains in the ‘tropics, such as the Fuchsia and the Calceo- 
laria, suffered too much through the excessive heat of summer ; 
but it was just such plants introduced from Europe that were 
first tried in this country. Little by little, as horticulture 
began to advance, it was found that many plants considered 
tender and tropical in Europe, and for that reason unavailable 
for home-culture there, were best suited to the American 
climate. ‘The plants grown for home decoration in most of 
the States are of a different type from those grown in Europe. 
Except in mountain regions and in the Northern States, the 
culture of many Old World favorites becomes tedious and 
unsatisfactory. But the substitutes are not to be despised. 
Palms here take the place of less noble plants. Gorgeous 
flowers of tropical origin replace the more modest plants of 
cooler regions. In this respect, therefore, America has the 
advantage over most parts of Europe. But the American 
house offers fewer opportunities for growing plants than most 
houses in Europe. There, especially when French windows 
are used, the window-sill is very broad and gives room for 
quite a number of plants. The advantage of having the win- 
dow opening outward like a door is also apparent. — Still, 
these drawbacks may be easily overcome. ‘The window-sill 
may be broadened, brackets can be provided for holding 
plants of many kinds, and a number of plants may be grown 
with the greatest of ease in any light room, on flower-stands of 
artistic design. The American house offers, however, many 
advantages unknown in Europe. When heated by means of 
steam or hot air, the temperature can be kept more uniform 
throughout the year. The climate is sufficiently warm. even 
