CHAPTER VIII 

 HOUSE AND PORCH PLANTS 



Henry Ward Beecher declared that he always 

 found house plants an infallible test in selecting ac- 

 quaintances, neatness, cleanliness, and innumerable 

 virtues being the usual accompaniments of a love of 

 flowers. It is an unquestionable fact that the culti- 

 vation and care of plants instills love of nature 

 and has an uplifting and ennobling influence on man- 

 kind. Go where you will you meet with the best 

 reception in every way at such places where the 

 greatest love is manifest for the beauties of nature. 

 When the traveler comes upon a home where there 

 is a roomy, well-planned, well-kept garden he at once 

 feels a desire to know the inmates personally, for 

 he is certain to find there more or less generosity, 

 intelligence and refinement. 



HOUSE PLANTS 



Many people are thoroughly discouraged with try- 

 ing to grow house plants, when they might enjoy 

 healthy and beautiful specimens by observing a few 

 simple rules. You cannot take any plant you have 

 and keep it just where you would most like it for 

 effect without regard to what it needs. Many can- 

 not thrive without sunshine, while others require lit- 

 tle or none. 



Every plant needs plenty of light, and nearly all 

 a little sun, and if they do not get it ill-health and 

 death will ensue. Scarcely a single pot plant re- 

 quires or will endure the same exposure or aspect 



