House-plants 



ing them protection until they have attained some 

 size. Set each little seedling on the north-east side of 

 a Pansy plant, and by the time the Pansies have passed 

 their zenith they will be ready to stand alone. 



Always remove poor or inferior plants in order 

 that the highest standard may be maintained; the 

 finer varieties may be readily distinguished from the 

 more common sorts by the stems and foliage; the 

 latter having thin stems and small leaves, set rather 

 far apart, while the stems of the fine varieties are 

 very stocky; the leaves large, more or less crinkly, 

 and set closely on the stem; the buds thick and com- 

 pact, while those of the common type are long and 

 thin. Petunias grow so rapidly that vacant places 

 left by culling are soon filled. The finest specimens 

 may be lifted for winter flowering. They will bloom 

 freely in the house and often show a richer colour 

 than when out of doors. They need considerable 

 root room any crowding of the roots, or starving 

 of the plants being quickly shown in the deteriora- 

 tion of the flowers. Avoid chills and draughts. Give 

 liquid manure and water freely, but do not let the 

 soil get wet or sour. A little charcoal in the potting 

 soil is an excellent corrective of this tendency. Al- 

 ways remove the flowers as they fade, thus prolong- 

 ing the blooming season and increasing the beauty 

 and size of the blossom. 



