OF HOUSE-PLANTS 



the nutriment supplied by whatever plant- 

 food you make use of, rather than upon a 

 large quantity of fresh soil. We frequently 

 injure plants by over-potting them. 



Plants grown solely for their foliage, like 

 the Ficus, the Rose Geranium, the Palm, and 

 others of that class, should be encouraged to 

 make reasonably vigorous growth now. Keep 

 constant watch of them, and be prompt to 

 correct any tendencies to erratic growth. 

 Prune with a view to symmetry, and choose 

 for each plant such form as seems most in 

 harmony with its natural habit. 



Care must be taken to see that insects do 

 not injure your plants in summer. The aphis 

 will come, but a prompt and thorough appli- 

 cation of Nicotocide will rout him. The red 

 spider will attempt to establish himself on 

 them, but daily showerings will discourage him. 



Water must be supplied freely to plants in 

 pots, as evaporation will take place very 

 rapidly at this season. A little neglect as 

 regards watering regularly, and in sufficient 

 quantities to supply the needs of the thirsty 

 plants, may prove the beginning of consider- 

 able trouble, as most plants do not recover 

 readily from the effect of drouth at the root. 



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