246 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



shelf under a north or east window on the outside, 

 with a raised edge three or four inches high, made 

 by tacking strips of wood across the front and ends. 

 Inclose with window-netting, first nailing strips of 

 wood from the outer corners of the shelf to the upper 

 corners of the window-casing to support the netting. 

 When the shelf is filled with wet sand, and the plants 

 plunged in it, one has a miniature greenhouse acces- 

 sible from the room, and safe from trespass of 

 chickens, cats, or careless feet. The shelf may ex* 

 tend considerably beyond the window-casing if de- 

 sired, and be made attractive from the outside by 

 climbing vines. The Maurandya is fine here, as it will 

 push its tips through the netting, and be very orna- 

 mental; the Asparagus tenuissimus and A. plumosus 

 nanus are also good. A couple of plant-brackets 

 fastened to the outside casing will afford room for 

 drooping plants, and add to the attractiveness of the 

 shelf. Primroses will bloom here all summer, and 

 Ferns, Gloxinias, and fancy-leaved Caladiums find a 

 congenial home. 



Insecticides 



A GOOD supply of insecticides should be kept in 

 store, or at least the formulas and materials 

 for preparing them. Plant enemies have increased 

 to such an alarming extent in the past few years that 

 comparatively few flowers are free from them, and 



