286 NATURE-STUDY 



door plants for pots and boxes as well as for outdoor 

 boxes see list, page 297.) The plants should be selected 

 according to the light conditions. Rooms on the north 

 side must necessarily confine themselves to such plants as 

 will flourish in the shade. It is generally out of the ques- 

 tion to try to raise flowers on the north side. A gera- 

 nium would probably starve there, and would certainly not 

 flower. I would suggest that, if flowers are desired, boxes 

 be placed on the south side till the flowers appear, and 

 then that they be transferred to the north room. There are, 

 however, a number of foliage plants that do fairly well on 

 the shady side, and these are given in the list on page 297. 

 To my mind a window with flourishing ferns, begonias, 

 periwinkle, 'and wandering Jew is just as beautiful as a box 

 of flowering geraniums. Aquaria with goldfish will give a 

 touch of color, if placed among these shade-loving flowers. 



The boxes should be set with a variety of plants, 

 drooping kinds in front, climbing vines to train up the win- 

 dow at the ends, taller plants in the centre. Some set the 

 plants in the pots into the box and fill the space between 

 them with moss or earth. This permits the turning of 

 the plants. In dusty schools the leaves will need washing 

 often. Sometimes, if started in midwinter, annuals like 

 pansies, petunias, portulaca, nasturtium, and sweet peas can 

 be brought to flower in March or April. 



BULBS: It is always a pleasure to raise bulbs indoors. 

 To do this plant them so that their tops are about an inch 

 below the surface. Plant them any time from September 

 to January. Set them aside in a cool, dark place, such as 

 a cellar or dark attic. Water them well at first, and after that 

 enough to keep them from drying out below. Leave for three 



