HOUSE PLANTS. 367 



virtues being the usual accompaniments of a love of flowers. Then, what de- 

 lightful subjects of gossip they furnish ; and how many reputations have been 

 spared when house plants were at hand, with their various merits, their growth, 

 and means of culture to be discussed ! How they grow into the aifections, too, 

 as we watch their green sheaths pierce the rich brown mould, and leaves and 

 blossoms expanding into loveliness ! Especially is this the case with early 

 spring flowers, such as the crocus and snowdrop ; and still more dear are those 

 iu which beauty and fragrance are united, as in the diflerent species of hya- 

 cinths, which are raised and petted with tenderest care, every hair-breadth of 

 growth noted, and the unfolding and display of coloring commented upon with 

 pride and exultation. 



Fortunately for those, neither rich nor poor, who dearly love flowers, no 

 great outlay is needed for their cultivation ; only a little room, and light, and 

 ordinary warmth to fill parlor and dining-room with these lovely guests. It is very 

 easy to have a common pine box fitting the window, and filled with mignonette, 

 timed iu sowing so that its perfume may be shed over the feast at Christmas ; 

 and the prettiest and most rustic-looking flower- j)ot, especially for hanging 

 plants, may be made of a flat winter squash, with the seeds scooped out, and 

 the space thus made filled with leaf soil. The Cyclamens pcrsiacm is a beauti- 

 ful winter ornament not surpassed by many summer flowers ; its Avaxeu petals, 

 stained with a purple spot, seem hovering like insects over the dark green 

 leaves, so that a basket of moss and cyclamens is quite a fairy ornament, and 

 the little flowers blossom from November till April, all the care required being 

 a daily moistening with slightly tepid water. 



Nothing is much prettier for the roomy parlor of a farm-house, where the 

 surroundings are not too pretentious to harmonize, than a stand of light rustic 

 Avork covered with thrifty, well-grown plants, fringed with growing moss or fern. 



Among house plants there are none which better repay the cultivator than 

 the verbena. It is perfect in itself, is a beautiful contrast with foliage plants, 

 from its endless variety of colors, is admirable for vase or pot culture, and, 

 when properly managed, will bloom profusely from January to May, the very 

 months when the solace of flowers is so ardently desired. Dexter Snow, the 

 most eminent and skilful cultivator of the verbena in this country, says that to 

 gi-ow them successfully, whether in-doors or out, they must be fully exposed 

 to the sun, as they will not thrive without it. When grown as a house plant 

 they should be placed near the glass, where the sun may reach them the 

 greatest part of the time. Give them a good airing each mild, sunny day, by 

 partially opening the window for an hour or so ; this is quite indispensable to 

 the health and stocky growth of the plant. The temperature of the room in 

 the vicinity of the flowers should average about 60° in the daytime, and 45° 

 at night. High temperature after dark causes the flower to grow weak and 

 sickly. Water the plants only when actually necessary, and then do it 

 thoroughly, taking care to pour off what falls into the saucer. Shower them 

 occasionally, to keep them clean and free from dust. In all cases use rain- 

 water for house plants. Fumigate with tobacco as often as the green fly ap- 

 pears. This may be done by throwing a handful of tobacco on a dish of coals 

 placed under the plant-stand ; or, to avoid the smoke in the sitting room, set 

 the plants in a group on the kitchen floor ; place a few chairs around them, 

 over which throw an old quilt or carpet ; let it reach the floor, so as to retain 

 the smoke ; place the coals and tobacco underneath, but not so near the plants 

 as to scorch them. Ten or fifteen minutes' smoke will destroy all the insects. 



As a fertilizer for the verbena the sulphate of ammonia is excellent, giving 

 to the foliage a dark green, luxuriant, and healthy appearance ; it is economical, 

 clean, and easily applied. Prepare it in the morning before using, by dissolving 

 an ounce of the ammonia in two gallons of water. It may be applied once a 

 week with safety. A good fertilizer may be made by dissolving one pound of 



