THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



bitions to the limitations of window culture. 



The casement faces southeast in the living- 

 room, and is broad and deep a perfectly 

 ideal place for plants. Geraniums, fuchsias, 

 and even roses joyed our hearts by blooming 

 all through the winter; but the violets just 

 sulked; at least, I know no other way of ex- 

 plaining their condition. They seemed healthy, 

 but the flowers were few, and had a hungry, 

 discontented look. The roots were examined 

 for worms ; special plant food was supplied ; 

 then the masculine mind of the household con- 

 ceived the idea that the atmosphere of the 

 room was too dry, and skimped lunches for a 

 week to bring home a large fern glass for 

 them. 



Even then they didn't seem contented; so 

 the next winter we took the advice of a friendly 

 neighbor, and made a case to fit into the win- 

 dow of a small room over the kitchen, which 

 was always comfortably warm, as the chimney 

 ran through it. The case was only a rough 

 board arrangement, two feet and a half long, 



24 



