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a window as far from the plants as possible. When too cold, a door or window in an adjoining 

 room can be opened. Care should be taken, however, that no direct draft blows upon the tender 

 plants, for nothing is worse than cold drafts for both plants and persons. The cracks around 

 the sash and casing should be effectually closed. This can be done very neatly by pasting narrow 

 strips of paper over them. A storm-sash or double window is the .surest protection against fro-t, 

 and next to this is a paper curtain between the plants and the window. 



THE SOIL AND WATER. 



The soil used in potting should be neither too sandy, as it will dry out too quickly ; nor too 

 heavy, for this holds the water too long, and is apt to become soggy. A mixture of sand, leaf- 



-i mould and common garden loam will 

 I suit almost all kinds of room plants. 

 I would recommend the use of finely 

 powdered charcoal in the bottom of 

 the pots, not so much to secure good 

 drainage as to correct ascidity in the 

 soil occasioned by over-watering. A 

 moderate use of stimulants will l>e 

 found very beneficial to growing plants, 

 but they should not be used on such 

 as are partially or wholly dormant. 

 Bone-dust, guano, and special ammo- 

 niated preparations are the most con- 

 venient, especially for city resident. 

 To those who have the facilities for 

 making liquid barn-yard manure, I 

 would say, use that in preference to 

 any other. 



The subject of watering is one that 

 cannot be too carefully studied. How 

 and when to water must be learned by 

 experience. General directions only 

 can be given. First of all, invariably 

 use warm water. Water only when 

 the soil becomes dry, and apply 

 enough to wet the whole body of earth 

 in the pot. Water sparingly rather 

 than too often. Plants die more easily 

 from drowning than from thirst. 

 CLEANLINESS is as necessary to the health of plants as to animals, and it is, therefore, neces- 

 sary to secure them from dust as much as possible, and also to cleanse the plants frequently by 

 syringing or washing. Even here a little caution is necessary, for while the smooth-leaved 

 plants, like Ivies, are benefited, not only by showering, but even by washing the leaves with 

 a cloth or sponge, the rough-leaved plants, like the Begonia Rex, do not like to have the 

 surface of their leaves frequently moistened, and should be cleaned with a soft brush. It 

 would, therefore, be well to remove such plants before syringing. Take every precau- 

 tion, however, to prevent the accumulation of dust upon the plants; and above all endeavor 

 to screen them from that terrible infliction, carpet-sweeping. It may be well enough to kill the 

 old people by compelling them to breathe clouds of dust, but send the children into the fresh 

 air to skate, or to snow-ball, and spare the plants, if possible. The essentials of success in 

 plant culture are suitable soil, air, light, moderate and regular heat, a moist atmosphere, regular 

 and moderate watering, and freedom from dust and foul gas. 



We have given a few illustrations of Window Gardens, all taken from photographs sent us by 

 our amateur friends, and we think they will show that success is within the reach of all, and 

 under almost any conceivable circumstances. 



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