THE WINTER 



the red spider from doing it harm. Keep it 

 away from strong sunshine. An east window 

 suits it much better than a southern one. An 

 east window, by the way, is an ideal one for Be- 

 gonias. 



PRIMULA OBCONICA I consider one of 

 our most desirable winter-flowering plants, 

 because it requires very little care, and gives 

 such a wealth of bloom in return for the 

 slight attention bestowed upon it. About 

 all it asks is plenty of water. We do not 

 have to fight insects on it. We do not have 

 to be particular as to the temperature of the 

 room it grows in, providing we keep it above 

 the frost point. It seems utterly unmind- 

 ful of the fluctuation of the living-room 

 thermometer. Its flowers are sometimes al- 

 most white, but with a tint of rose or lavender 

 showing in them, at other times decidedly pink. 

 This is not the result of exposure to light, but 

 is a peculiarity of the plant. The blossoms are 

 always charming, with a wildwoodsy air that 

 suggests Hepaticas, Trilliums, and Spring 

 Beauties. The individual flower is about the 

 size of a silver quarter, but there will almost 



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