24 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
sable for propagation and for storing bulbs and tuberous roots 
during their period of rest. 
Cow Manure is the best natural fertilizer obtainable. When 
_well decayed and cleaned it is not at all objectionable to 
handle. Ordinary good soil, when mixed with this and a 
trifle of bone-dust, contains all the nutriment required by the 
great majority of plants. 
Horse Manure cannot be used for pot-plants until well de- 
cayed and of the appearance of black humus-rich soil. In this 
state it can be used in quantity for Fuchsias, Geraniums, and 
similar plants. About one-fourth, with one-half good loam 
and a fourth part of sand, makes a very good soil for ordinary 
use. 
Poultry, Sheep, and Pigeon Droppings, when pulverized, 
are clean to handle and make very strong fertilizers for top- 
dressing and liquid manures for Palms and _ foliage plants. 
They should be used moderately, a thin layer barely cover- 
ing the surface of the soil is sufficient. 
Bone Dust is a safe and durable ingredient in soils for strong- 
growing plants, for Roses, Chrysanthemums, and many other 
vigorous things. It can be used in the proportion of two or 
three parts to a hundred parts of soil. 
Many kinds of fertilizers specially prepared for house-plants, 
and sold under different names by seedsmen and florists, are 
clean and scentless and suit the purpose very well. Some of 
the best are commonly sold in packages with directions for 
use, and as a rule these can be relied on. 
All soils when used should be moderately moist and agree- 
able to the touch. To preserve the soil in this state it should 
be kept in boxes covered with a lid. It is necessary to keep 
