PROPER TREATMENT COKTIKTJED. 55 



once before said, at a temperature several degrees lower 

 than that of the day. 



5. The difference of temperature between the floor and 

 the ceiling has been already referred to. Take advantage 

 of this, so far as you can, in the arrangement of your 

 plants. For example, give the lower and cooler places to 

 Stevias, Geraniums, Hyacinths, etc., and the higher to 

 plants like the Begonias. 



6. The leaves of plants, you know, always turn their 

 upper surface directly to the light, so as to receive it at 

 nearly right angles. Unless they are left free to do so, 

 they almost invariably die. This fact shows plainly 

 enough their constant need of such a position. It can 

 not, therefore, be good treatment to turn them away 

 from the light as soon as they have reached it, and thus 

 compel them to be always seeking without receiving what 

 they need. It is true that, if allowed to remain in the 

 same position, in a side light, many plants will lose their 

 symmetry of form, but this is one of the difficulties of 

 plant-culture in windows. To a considerable extent, 

 however, it may be obviated by setting the arborescent 

 or tree-like plants close to the window at the bottom, and 

 turning them every day, so that all sides may receive as 

 equally as possible their daily rations of sunlight. As 

 the vines do not suffer so much in appearance from one- 

 sidedness, they should be set farther back from the win- 

 dow, and never turned at all. Their leaves all pointing 

 in one direction, and always looking out to the sky, may 

 seem a little odd at first, but you will soon come to like 

 it, and perhaps find in it a pointed lesson on " seeking 

 the light." 



7. Every day, except in the very coldest weather, ad- 

 mit fresh air to your rooms, directly from the outside, 

 even if it be for only a few moments. This can generally 

 be done with safety by opening a window at a little dis- 

 tance from the plants ; otherwise, open the doors into 



