102 FAKM HOMES, IK-DOORS AND OUT-DOORS. 



idly from cuttings. They are quite tender, and must be 

 protected from chills. By pinching off the top shoots 

 of young plants a denser growth can be obtained. 



Some varieties of Begonia are very rich and elegant in 

 their leafage. Rex and Mrs. Alger are fine sorts. 



The Elegante, a variegated ivy-leafed Geranium, is 

 highly ornamental, whether trailing about a window or 

 drooping from a hanging basket. A cutting of it taken 

 in August will be of good size by December. 



MONTHLY ROSES. 



There are many varieties to choose from, but one or 

 two will be enough in a small collection. They require 

 more attention than almost any other house-plant, and 

 must have very rich soil and plenty of sunlight. Fre- 

 quent baths are necessary, for they invite various pests, 

 the little red spider being particularly fond of them. 

 Roses will repay good care, however. I have found the 

 pink Hermosa and the crimson Agrippina good sorts 

 for window-culture. It is best to buy good-sized roses, 

 grown on their own roots. They are rather expensive, 

 but are reliable, and in a year or two will be grown 

 into fine trees. Roses will grow from cuttings, but the 

 process is a slow one to those impatient for buds and 

 blossoms. The Safrano, rich, flesh tint ; Isabella Sprunt, 

 yellow, and White Daily, are also beautiful, free-flower- 

 ing sorts. Good-sized Roses, full of buds and blossoms, 

 can be purchased at from forty to fifty cents each, and 

 smaller ones for much less. 



THE CALLA. 



This queenly Daughter of the .Nile is a noble and 

 showy plant for the window, requiring a congenial 

 clayey soil and an abundance of water, being aquatic in 

 its habits. From May to September it is usually set 



