6 WINDOW GARDENING. 



several hundred to more than one hundred and fifty thou- 

 sand to a square inch of leaf. Now we are careful in our 

 own persons to bathe daily, lest, as we say, the pores of the 

 skin become obstructed; yet we are willing to allow our 

 plants to go unwashed for a whole winter, when the pore a 

 are much smaller, more numerous and delicate, than those 

 of the body. The rule is obvious : wash the leaves of the 

 plants, both under and upper sides, at least once a week ; 

 if oftener, the better. Use water moderately warm, and if 

 the plants become very dirty, a little weak soap-suds is 

 beneficial. This washing should be carefully done with a 

 soft sponge or cloth in the case of plants with thick, pol- 

 ished leaves, such as camellias, oranges, and daphnes, 

 Where plants have hairy leaves, or the substance is soft, 

 water is best applied with a small syringe, fitted with a 

 very fine " rose." To use this, place the plant on its side 

 in the kitchen sink, syringe it well, turning it from side to 

 side. Let it stand a few minutes for the water to drain off, 

 and return it to its place : it will thank you for its bath by 

 its bright foliage, Never wet the flowers of a plant; water 

 always injures them ; nor allow drops of water to stand on 

 any leaves in the sunshine : the rays of the sun form a 

 focus in the drop of water and scorch the leaf. Once a 



