78 PLANTS FOB WINDOW GARDENING. 



broken potsherds may be used to advantage for keeping the 

 soil open, to allow free admission for atmospheric gases ; 

 an essential point to be kept in view in the cultivation of 

 all plants, more particularly those in pots, for they are then 

 entirely dependent on the cultivator for those conditions 

 which they receive in their natural habitats. 



"Such a soil as here recommended, kept sufficiently open 

 by any of the above mentioned ingredients, is easily pene- 

 trated by air, thereby increasing its temperature and facU- 

 tating the decomposition of organic matter, during wh.ch 

 process various healthful gases are supplied to plants." 



In either of the kinds of soil prepared as directed, heaths 

 wnl do well. The great point to obtain is 'a loose, porous 

 soil; for this reason the soil should always be broken, 

 never sifted. 



Another requisite in heath culture, is good drainage ; 

 this cannot be too strongly insisted upon ; with the best of 

 soil, the plants will suffer if water stagnates around the 

 roots. 



Fill the pot one fourth full of crocks, and be careful the 

 hole at the bottom is kept open. Never place the pot in a 

 saucer or vessel of any kind, for all water not absorbed 

 must be allowed to drain off. The pots should be clean 



