NOVEMBER: FIRST WEEK 289 



as some plants are at this period; but for plants which it is 

 desired to keep growing, as a general rule, the more light the 

 better. Without sufficient light, they will fail to make 

 strong, normal tissue, although growth will continue; the 

 stems are drawn out and weak, and the foliage is pale and 

 soft; one of the most serious results is that the whole plant 

 will readily fall prey to the first attack of insects or disease, 

 which in turn are usually encouraged by just the condi- 

 tions which are unfavorable for the plant. In selecting 

 quarters for your winter garden, then, procure all the light 

 possible. And for flowering plants, such as geraniums, 

 heliotropes, and begonias, direct sunshine, for at least part 

 of the day, is quite essential. 



What is the Right Temperature? 



There are few dwelling houses in these days where the 

 temperature cannot be kept sufficiently high in at least the 

 one or two rooms selected for the window garden to answer 

 the requirements of all the commoner house plants. Great 

 extremes of temperature during the day and night are more 

 likely to be a cause of trouble than too low a temperature. 

 During the day, and evening when the rooms are occupied, 

 and while the sun is shining, the temperature may run up 

 to 70 or 80 degrees, and then drop during the night to 40 

 or below: such a range of temperature is trying on the con- 

 stitution of any plant, especially when it is accompanied, 

 as is most apt to be the case, by a desiccated atmosphere. 

 A temperature of 60 to 70 degrees during the day, and 50 

 to 55 during the night, will be sufficient for most house 

 plants, though a few degrees more will not be harmful, 

 and a few degrees less will not prove fatal, but simply retard 

 or check growth. But a temperature as even as may be 

 given is highly desirable. The fewer variations above or 

 below these figures the better. In extreme weather it may 

 not be possible to keep the temperature from going down to 

 forty, or even below; this need not prove serious unless it is 

 repeated so frequently that the plants are checked, or seem 



