plojucultvue. m 



potxish (saltpetre) two parts; pulverize and mix well. Put one drachm (one- 

 eighth of an ounce) of this powder into a gallon of rain water. Use this for 

 watering plants. Give them a good sonUght and not too much heat, and 

 plants will keep green and fresh. 



Flowers kept in a warm room should be watered with tepid water. Very- 

 cold water is apt to freeze the roots. 



Starting Plants. — Boxes in windows is an excellent way of siarnng 

 plants for early setting, though it must necessarily be on a small scale. For 

 a small garden a good supply may thus be procured: In sowing the seeds, 

 avoid putting them in too deep; a half inch is ample for all, and a less depth 

 is better for the small seeds. Press the soil closely around the seed. 



Steam Batb« for Geranlams. — Geraninms and similar plants are 

 greatly benefitted during wint«r if given a steam bath once a week. To do 

 this place them above the bath after filhng it with hot water. Close the 

 doors and windows and let the flowers remain there for an hour or two. 

 Another good method is to place the flowers in the kitchen on wash day, 

 where the steam arising from the clothes will benefit them. 



Plant Fertilizer*. — ^Two or three ounces of guano to a gallon of water 

 is a proper proportion for house plants. Keep the mixture well stirred, as 

 the guano, not being actually dissolved by the wattr, settles to the bottom. 

 Save the soot that falls fitjm the chimneys when they are cleaned. A pint 

 of soot to a pailful of water will make a Liquid manure of the greatest value 

 for flower beds and plants of all kinds. 



Cut Bark tlie Geraniums. — But few persons cut them back enough. 

 If the stalks are cut back to within two or tliree inches of the surface of the 

 ground, numerous healthy side shoots will put out and grow vigorously. 



The AmaryllU. — If any one has an aman-illis she will find it will blos- 

 som mord freely if the dirt is kept away fiom the top of the bulb. An ama- 

 ryllis should have plenty of water. 



