72 THE CANADIAN HORTICULTUllIST. • 



of the leaves and stems, taking care not to break tlie foliage. This is 

 sure to keep them from insects for a considerable time, Avhich are so 

 hard to. overcome in the house. 



"How often should I water my plants ?" Not until they are dry,, 

 which can be ascertained by seeing if the top of the pots look dry ; or 

 if you will weigh them in your hand, you will find by practice whether 

 they are wet or not by the weight. Too much water is the greatest 

 cause of poor success with house plants. If a plant becomes unhealthy,, 

 drops its leaves or turns yellow in color, you have been giving too 

 much water. But this difficulty may be easily overcome if the drainage 

 is proper. If the plant appears as described withhold the water ; do 

 not let it fade, but give no more than will keep it from doing so until 

 you see it fairly started into good health. 



You cannot expect plants grown in the dwelling house to look as 

 well as those in green-houses, as they do not have the same light 

 overhead, nor the moist air and good washing with the syringe, and 

 yet I have seen many that nearly come up to the best of green-houses. 

 You can do much towards keeping the foliage clean by standing them 

 ill a tub occasionally, and sprinkling them with the watering-can, 

 wdiich not only adds much to the appearance, but also to the health 

 and vigor of the plant. When sweeping the house, dust will gather on 

 the leaves, and you will also find it beneficial to wash them with a 

 sponge several times during the winter. Do not make a practice of 

 watering your plants at stated intervals, but first ascertain whether 

 they require it. Let the plants have plenty of room, and turn tliem 

 around occasionally, so as not to have one side always to the light, 

 and they will have an equal, bushy appearance, and not be all one-sided. 

 Many attempt to ventilate their plants by opening a window and 

 allowing the cold air to rush in upon them. Avoid this, unless the 

 outside air is warm and without cold winds, as they are rendered very 

 tender by their indoor treatment, and are very easily injured by any 

 sudden change. If you use saucers under the flower pots, never allow 

 water to stand in them. 



The green-fly is perhaps the most troublesome insect enemy of the 

 ■house plant cultivator, but they can be overcome in various ways. 

 Take a piece of paper large enough to cover the top of the pot, cut 

 it across to the middle, and then draw it over the pot, bringing the 

 stem of the plant in the centre of the paper. Then commence at the 



