188 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



not be kept in a room, especially in a sick-room, if they trouble 

 the occupant; on the other hand, they should not be expelled 

 without cause, for their fragrance and cheerful appearance may do 

 real good by raising the spirits of the invalid. 



Now, what about the other side of the question the effects 

 on the plants of being kept in a room? They have to be con- 

 sidered also. A great many plants will remain in health for 

 months, and even years, in a light, airy room, that would become 

 unhealthy in a week in a dark, stuffy one. Plants may serve a 

 real purpose in rooms by indicating, from their condition, the 

 purity or impurity of the air. There are one or two plants, 

 notably the Aspidistra, which will stand almost anything bad 

 air, draughts, alternations of heat and cold, neglect in watering 

 but the majority will not. Most plants do badly in rooms lit by 

 open gas-burners if the window is not kept open at night, as it 

 always should be. Things are not so bad where good incan- 

 descent burners are used. Oil lamps, too, are less deleterious. 

 Even delicate, susceptible plants may be kept fairly healthy in 

 artificially lighted rooms if they are stood in a position below the 

 level of the illuminant, and if the window is kept open. The 

 latter point cannot be too often pressed home. Ventilation is 

 good both for human beings and plants. Foul air is more 

 dangerous than a draught, although the latter should be avoided, 

 as it may be. If the window is only open to the extent of about 

 an inch a great effect is exercised upon the air of the room, 

 especially if there is an open chimney, with or without a fire. 



Success in the cultivation of room plants turns partly upon the 

 choice of material, and partly upon care in ventilating and water- 

 ing. It is not wise to choose very tender plants, because rooms, 

 however warm during the day, are often cold at night. It is not 

 prudent to rely upon ferns, unless they be grown in a case, because 

 the air is likely to be too dry for them. If a tender plant is grown 

 it should be removed from the neighbourhood of a window when 



