SUITABLE PLANTS. 33 



much smaller variety, and take only those plants to 

 which we can give something like their natural conditions. 



So, you see, it will not do to select any plants we may 

 happen to "fancy," as we read about them in the cata- 

 logues of the florists, or see them temptingly displayed on 

 the market-stands or in greenhouses. Many of them 

 charm us by their wonderful beauty, and seem exceed- 

 ingly desirable ; but, alas, they are not for us, unless it be 

 for a few short days, or weeks at the most. We may take 

 them only as visitors or temporary guests. In selecting 

 our permanent companions for the winter, we need such 

 as can "feel at home" with us, and must decide, not by 

 appearances, but by character and antecedents taking 

 into account their habits and wants, or "previous condi- 

 tion." 



" But this," you will say, " requires a knowledge of the 

 natural history of plants. " 



Very true to some extent at least unless you depend 

 entirely upon other persons to judge for you. But you 

 would prefer, I am sure, to judge for yourselves if possi- 

 ble. And the more of such knowledge you have, the 

 better every way, not only in the selection, but in the care 

 of your plants. 



The information you need may be obtained, in part, 

 from the common descriptive catalogues of greenhouse 

 and garden plants ; but much may have to be sought for 

 diligently in larger volumes, and be rather difficult of at- 

 tainment. But to you, will not this fact be stimulating, 

 rather than intimidating ? With your spirit and enter- 

 prise, the unintelligent and merely mechanical cultivation 

 of plants would be almost stupid. You might about as 

 well have " artificials," and be done with it. But these liv- 

 ing plants are continually appealing to your intelligence 

 and challenging your skill, while waiting to reward you 

 with increasing beauty. They keep you constantly sup- 

 plied with some interesting subject of inquiry, something 



