6 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
tant in the treatment of plants. Careful watering is another 
thing to be observed, as some plants evaporate in a single day 
a quantity of water many times their own weight. These 
would soon wither and die if they were neglected for any 
length of time. Anybody interested in plants and watching 
their silent development will soon learn to discern their need. 
Almost imperceptible changes in the color of the foliage will 
tell if the plants need more nutriment, or if they need more 
water or less. ‘Too much water as a rule brings a yellow tint 
to the leaves; insufficient nutriment will cause a dull appear- 
ance easily perceived by an experienced eye. Want of water 
may bring insects or stop the growth of an otherwise healthy 
plant. 
If a good selection is made a constant supply of flowers can 
be had all the year long. The most suitable ones for winter 
flowering are the many kinds of bulbous plants which are so 
easy to obtain and easy to force. Hyacinths, Narcissi, Lilies, 
Lily of the Valley, and others equally beautiful, are among the 
best flowers to be had. ‘Then again, many shrubby plants 
bloom either constantly, as the many varieties of Begonia 
semperflorens, or during the better part of winter as many kinds 
of Orchids, Begonias, Chrysanthemums and other florists’ 
flowers. The spring, summer, and autumn flowers are abun- 
dant. In early spring the golden Cytisus opens its fragrant 
flowers. The many-colored Azaleas are gay with blossoms. 
Cape Heaths continue to bloom, and Primulas, Cinerarias, and 
other well-known plants are at their best. In summer suitable 
flowering-plants are very numerous. For fall and winter, 
Chrysanthemums, Roses, Carnations, and Persian Violets can- 
not be excelled. 
We may, therefore, safely say that there is no pleasure so 
