Twenty] USt^US S 



ficiently showered every day to keep back red spiders 

 and materially change the atmosphere. 



Compost, sand, old manure, and drainage material 

 should be prepared in the fall and put in a frost-proof 

 place ready for any repotting that may be necessary 

 during the winter, and for the early sowing of seeds 

 in the house. 



In another chapter will be found formulas for the 

 various insecticides required for the extermination of 

 the pests likely to attack plants in the close, dry air 

 of the living-room. If attention is paid to the supply 

 of fresh air and moisture little, if any, trouble will be 

 experienced on this score. 



Plants coming into bloom will require some fertil- 

 iser, and as there are objections to the use of manure- 

 water in the house the following formula will be 

 found very satisfactory: Get at the druggist's one 

 and a half pounds (or ounces) nitrate of soda, one- 

 half pound (or ounce) phosphate of soda, and one 

 pound (or ounce) sulphate of potash. Mix and pul- 

 verise the material thoroughly. When required for 

 use put a rounding tablespoonful of this mixture in a 

 gallon of hot water. To fertilise the plants put a 

 teacupful of the water, when cool, on a six-inch pot, 

 and more in proportion on larger pots. Do not use 

 oftener than once in two weeks, and do not let it 

 touch the foliage. 



All the Asparagus group are benefited by the use of 

 a good fertiliser, especially is this the case with A. 



