54 WINDOW GARDENING. 



month, at least, wash the stem and branches of all the hard- 

 wooded plants with a soft sponge dipped in lukewarm 

 water; this prevents the lodgment of insects, and con- 

 tributes to the health of the plant. 



WATERING 



Is one of the most difficult subjects to prescribe by rule, 

 yet there are some rules of general application. 



Let it be always done with a watering-pot with a fine 

 rose, such as may be procured at any tinman's. The 

 advantage of this is, it allows the water to fall drop by drop 

 over the whole surface of the soil, whereas, if a pitcher is 

 used, the plants are deluged, or holes made 'in the earth by 

 the stream of water, and the roots not unfrequently dis- 

 turbed. 



Let it be done regularly ; the morning is the best time, 

 and once a day. 



The surface of the soil should never be allowed to become 

 perfectly dry, nor should it be sodden with moisture. The 

 ^temperature of the water used is of vital importance. It 

 should neither be cold nor warm, but just the temperature 

 of the atmosphere of the room. Thus no check, or chill, or 

 undue excitement is given to the roots, both roots and 

 branches being equally warm. 



