1846.] Window Gardens. 131 



overhead, or syringed, without it; in performing these operations, 

 a part of the earth is liable to be washed out of the pots, which 

 it then becomes necessary to remove, in order that the shelf may 

 be cleaned. 



In a French window, the glass case occupies the whole height 

 when the casement opens from top to bottom, or three-fourths of 

 the height when there is a division, as shown in the figure at p. 

 203 of the Chronicle. In an English window, and where econo- 

 my is studied, the case need only reach to the top of the lower 

 sash; but where expense is not an object, and if the room be 

 otherwise sufficiently lighted, it is advisable to let it occupy the 

 entire space of the window, covering both sashes. The addi- 

 tional height would give room for several shelves, which might 

 be readily got at by drawing down the top sash; but the princi- 

 pal advantage would consist in the ample space gained for climb- 

 ing plants, which might then be made to occupy not only the 

 sides but the iTont. 



When there are other windows in the room to secure ventila- 

 tion, it is not necessary that the sloping light should open, espe- 

 cially if the window has not a southern aspect. 



In most cases, where any opening is required, sufficient air 

 U'ight be admitted by a casement occupying a single square, 

 either on one side or in the top-light. 



In winter it is essential that the joints of all openings should 

 be made air-tight by pasting slips of paper over them; in our ill- 

 ventilated apartments the supply of air required for respiration, 

 and the combustion of fuel, is obtained by allowing a cold at- 

 mosphere to rush through every chink and crevice about the doors 

 and windows, and such currents in frosty weather would destroy 

 the flowers and foliage of any plant exposed to them. 



Before I proceed to the subject of plants adapted for window 

 gardens I would suggest that those who intend to adopt them 

 would do well to study carefully the papers of Mr. Errington on 

 " Winter Flowers," and those of an " Amateur Gardener," which 

 have appeared from time to time in the Chronicle. 



In furnishing the garden it is evident that in order to produce 

 the best effect, the habit of the plants should harmonize with the 

 limited dimensions of the structure intended to contain them; 

 moderate sized flowers of clear and brilliant colors, delicate foliage, 

 and a compact habit, are the points to be chiefly attended to in 

 selecting the plants. 



In summer and autumn there can be no difficulty in providing 

 an abundance of plants among the endless varieties of Pelargo- 

 nium, Fuchsia, Calceolaria, Verbena, and Roses. 



