the street, where effect is principally sought, bright 

 Geraniums, Heliotropes, Coleus, Crotons, and similar 

 plants are preferable, provided there is sufficient sun- 

 shine to bring out all their rich colouring. 



The fancy-leaved Caladiums may be used where 

 bright effect is sought in a north window. 



The boxes used for this purpose should be as 

 ample as possible, the full length of the window-cas- 

 ing outside and at least a foot wide and deep. They 

 should be made of inch boards, closely fitted together 

 so that the sides shall not warp and allow the water 

 to run through too freely, washing out and exhaust- 

 ing the soil. A hole may be made in the bottom at 

 one end, and provided with a plug, for the escape of 

 surplus water during continued rains. A piece of 

 broken crock or other drainage must be placed over 

 the hole on the inside of the box to prevent the earth 

 working in and obstructing the free passage of water. 

 The hot air of summer will shrink the earth away 

 from the sides of the box, leaving a channel for the 

 water to escape without properly soaking the soil; 

 but if the surface of the soil is kept open, and the 

 centre left a little lower than the sides, this will be 

 prevented. A little experimenting will show just how 

 much water is needed to wet the soil properly with- 

 out letting it run away, and this amount should be 

 used daily during dry weather. Only as many plants 

 as will do well in the limited space of four square 

 feet should be planted in the window-boxes. Five 



