HOUSE PLANTS. 379 



cumstances will permit. It should never be forgotten that moist air is almost 

 as essential as water. 



Another reason for the unhealthiness of window plants is, that they are wa- 

 tered irregularly. The mould should never become so dry as to crumble, but 

 if it happens so by accident, drench it well with water equal in temperature to 

 the air of the room, and as soon as this is done empty the saucer or the water 

 will grow sour and rot the roots. It is best not to overpot the plant. 



The proper soil usually is leaf mould or peat, and the pots should always be 

 filled nearly a quarter of their depth with potsherds ; large lumps of charcoal 

 mixed with the broken crockery will be beneficial. 



Among the natural enemies of flowers may be named the green fly, which in- 

 fests plants in general, and is to some species particularly destructive. They 

 attack the young, healthy shoots at the point, leaving a dark, filthy appearance 

 on the foliage. Many remedies have been offered by various writers, each con- 

 fident in his own opinions. Fumigating with tobacco is decidedly the most 

 efficacious. 



The red spider is peculiar to a dry atmosphere, and its havoc is generally ob- 

 vious before it is arrested. With its proboscis it wounds the fine capillary ves- 

 sels of the leaves, and if allowed to progress causes premature decay. When 

 you notice this appearance turn up the leaf and you will see them run- 

 ning about with incredible swiftness. When very numerous they work thick 

 Avebs on the under side of the leaf, and frequently all over it, forming a mass of 

 half dead leaves. The most effectual remedy is a thorough syringing, especially 

 under the foliage. This done every evening will effectually banish them. 



Thrips, another troublesome visitor, is an insect so minute as scarcely to be 

 perceptible to the naked eye. They usually lurk close to the vein of the plants, 

 and often attack esculents. Viewed through a glass when touched they skip with 

 great agility. They attack the tender shoots or extremities, which become 

 brown, shrivelled, and will rub to dust between the fingers. When leaves or 

 shoots are in this condition the green fly is not observed. Expel the thrips, and 

 remember that to plants, as well as to human beings, cleanliness is necessary 

 to health. 



A word may be said to amateur gardeners and others in favor of an insect 

 most of us have in childhood chased and eagerly caught, viz : the crimson lady- 

 bird. How many of us have been surprised and disappointed to find that the 

 meek little beetle had wings when she chose to use them. These beetles creep 

 slowly when in their perfect state, and are often found on the ground. They 

 do no injury to plants either in their larvaj or perfect state, and when found on 

 a shrub they are seeking a spot to deposit their eggs. Instinct teaches them 

 to visit plants most infested with aphides, for it is on these noxious insects that 

 their larvai feed; consequently their eggs, which are of a bright yellow, are al- 

 ways found on the leaves of shoots, the points of which are covered by the green 

 fly. In France and Holland the lady-bird is considered sacred to the virgin ; 

 hence its name. Let all lovers of roses, especially, protect the lady-bird. 



A few hints on the arrangement of cut flowers may not be out of place here. 

 JIuch of the beauty of these floral gems is often lost through want of taste, 

 as when stiffly circled in a hand bouquet, ring after ring, with little intertwining 

 foliage, and no graceful form of tendril, leaf, or bud allowed to break the plate- 

 like circle. To people not accustomed to look closely at causes which, in the 

 mass, form effects, it gives somewhat of a new sensation to observe any leaf, 

 or blossom, or berry that we call one-colored, and see the infinite number of 

 lines and clouds and patchings up of tints that go to make it so. It is not by 

 size, but by expression of color and shade that we have to measure ; and 

 thus a group, good and harmonious in itself, may be completely spoiled by being 

 multiplied in number or increased in size — that is, by repeating the same flower 

 in adding to the same group. Delicate shades, if many flowers are used, and 



