122 THE CANADIAN HORTICtJLTUPJST. 



Stoves during severe weather, when phxnts are growing. It not only helps 

 to prevent gas from having an injurious effect, but modifies the tempera- 

 ture to a great extent. Tlie most effectual way of fertilizing plants in pots 

 is by applying it in a liquid form. Caution is necessary, however, not to 

 apply it too strong. Weak and often is the best method and has the most 

 beneficial results. 



On the afternoon of warm days it is a great benefit to growing plants 

 to have their foliage sprinkled. It helps to wash off the dust and keeps 

 the plants in a healthier condition. Cleanliness with plants is a great 

 source of success. An occasional sponging of the leaves frees them of 

 insects and gives them a chance to l)reathe more freely than when coated 

 over with dust. Fresh air must be supplied to plants, as well as animals 

 to insure good health. On all good days give enough to' change the atmos- 

 phere of the room. It is best given at the top of the window, as ai 

 circulation is then made without causing a draught, which^ ^^nder all con- 

 ditions, avoid. Rather then have a cold draught rushing throtigh ther 

 plants, keep the window clo^ied, and there will be sufficient air admitted 

 through the laps to benefit them. 



A tablespoonful of ammonia in two quarts of water is strong enough 

 for the most vigorous plants and has a wonderful effect upon most alt 

 kinds of plants. Guano is an excellent fertilizer, but has to be used with 

 caution, as a little too much may destroy the roots of the plants to which it 

 has been applied, and may lead people to look for the wilted condition of 

 the plant to some other cause, and apply remedies which will prove more' 

 destructive than beneficial. Just sufficient to slightly color the water i» 

 sti'ong enough to use guano in a liquid form for plants. Soot makes ex- 

 eellent manure for plants in pots, if judiciously applied. It gives a bright 

 green tint to the foliage and deeper colorings to the flowers. On' some' 

 kinds of plants — such as hydrangeas — it changes the color of the flowei'S' 

 altogether. It is difficult to mix soot with water, if put into it loose ; but 

 when tied up in a cloth, and then soaked in the water, it can be pressed 

 out and made as strong as wanted. Only very small quantities should be 

 used, if applied strong it destroys the roots of the plants, like guano. 

 Pigeon and hen manure make good fertilizers for plants ; if coal be mixed 

 with it, the smell is mostly destroyed ; but caution has to be observed in 

 its use, as it is like guano, very strong, and injurious to plant-life when 

 used too strong. 



All plants grown in greenahouses and windows are liable to insects of 

 some kind. Some kinds of plants are more subject to the attacks of in- 

 sects than others, and some kinds of insects are more easily destroyed 

 than others. The best preventive of insects of all kinds is thoroughly 

 syx'inging the plants that endure it without injuring the foliage. tSome 

 kinds of plants, such as the fine-leaved begonias and Chinese primroses, 

 which are both very impatient with water overhead, are not liable to the 

 attack of any kinds of insects. A dry, warm atmosphere is just the con- 

 dition for insects being produced in large numbers, and is a condition 

 unsuitable for plants thriving in. It is generally unhealthy plants that 



