WINDOW GARDENING. 27 



out doors ; the leaves of the plant may be broad and shield the pot and roots ; 

 so do not forget to give these a chance also. If the leaves of plants are very 

 dirty, warm water with a little soap and the use of the sponge or syringe, will 

 remove all dirt. Exposure to the fresh air is not as dangerous as many would sup- 

 pose, provided the temperature is mild. They are, in fact, benefited by such 

 exposure and become far more hardy and able to resist sudden changes of tem- 

 perature, much better than if kept constantly confined to the room. 



Very few have any idea of how fast the dust accumulates in a room ; it is in 

 fact one of the greatest enemies the housewife has to contend with. A short 

 time only, suffices to see the leaves of a plant covered with dust; if it is not re- 

 moved, they soon get brown and wither ; and it is really delightful, after giv- 

 ing them a good washing, to see how bright and shining are the leaves and how 

 greatly they have been invigorated. 



Watering Plants. 



When sJiall I water my plants ? is a vexed question, asked perhaps more 

 frequently than any other by the beginner. This depends entirely upon the 

 nature of the plant, for some need more water than others, and yet a soil thor- 

 oughly wet is totally unfit for plant-growing. The real idea each cultivator 

 should aim for is to supply the plants with water, which may drain rapidly 

 through the pots, yet sufficient be retained to give a good moist soil for 

 the plant to live in. If the water passes away rapidly it will need replacing 

 frequently. It is generally a sign of health when the soil is well drained and the 

 plant uses up the supply of water quickly. 



Watering should be supplied with a careful hand, for many parlor gardeners 

 have an unrestrainable belief in the hydropathic process. To them there is 

 only one orthodox rule : if the plants will wither up or are troubled with insects 

 and do not grow as healthy and freely as they might, they drench it with a flood 

 of cold water; so it is a fact, that more plants perish in the hands of the inex- 

 perienced, from having too copious a supply than too little. There are others 

 again more cautious in their applications of water, who are, on the other hand, 

 totally heedless of drainage, and let the water stand in the saucers under the pots, 

 or in boxes without drainage, causing mould and sogginess of soil, rendering the 

 roots weak and unhealthy. 



The purposes of watering should be better understood. 1st. "Water supplies 

 to the roots fertilizing matter, contained in itself, and 2d. It converts the nour- 

 ishment of the soil into a liquid form more readily fit for absorption by the 

 roots. The roots can obtain it only when the soil is dampened. 



Never give water when the soil is moist to the touch, but wait until it is dry. 



Few plants thrive if water is around them constantly; yet Lobelias, Callas, 

 Ivies, etc., are very thirsty and like to drink at their own will. Indeed they 

 will not bloom or grow well unless you allow them so to do. 



The healthiest plants require water the most frequently; and yet it may 

 appear a contradiction to say that the plants which contain the most waters 



