WINDOW AND ROOM PLANTS 189 



the family retires to rest, and in cold weather covered with several 

 thicknesses of newspaper. Should it happen to get touched by 

 frost it should not be stood near the fire, or hurried away to 

 a hothouse, but should be stood in a cool, shady place, and 

 sprinkled with cold water. This will save it, if anything will. 



Let us draw up a list of plants which will thrive in rooms, 

 with proper care and attention, putting them in two classes 

 plants desirable owing to the possession of handsome foliage, and 

 plants which have beautiful flowers. 



Palms. Areca lutescens. 



Kentia Forsteriana. 



FOLIAGE PLANTS 



*Geonoma gracilis. 

 *Latania borbonica. 



Phoenix reclinata. 

 *Seaforthia elegans. 



Cocos Weddeliana. 



* These three might be chosen if six were too many. 



Palms may be maintained in health for years in living-rooms, 

 even if gas is burned, with ordinary care and attention. They 

 should be kept in or near the window, in order that they may 

 get plenty of light; being turned occasionally, to bring a different 

 side towards the light. A compost of three parts fibrous loam, 

 one part each of leaf-mould and decayed manure, and a tenth of 

 coarse, washed sand will suit them. They should be watered 

 when the pot rings hollow under the knuckles, and at no other 

 time. During mild showers they should be stood out of doors 

 for an hour or two, as the rain will cleanse and freshen them. 

 An occasional sponging with soft, tepid water will also do them 

 good. This attention to the foliage is of great benefit to palms, 

 and a most important factor in keeping them in health. They 

 will not grow fast, nor is it desirable that they should. Repotting 

 once a year will be ample, and this may be done in spring. 

 When they have got to the largest convenient size of pot, top- 

 dressing may be substituted for repotting. The plant may be 



