SCHOOL GARDENS 17 
Such a feature of the schoolhouse would be of utmost value 
whether an outdoor garden is operated all summer, or part 
of it, or not at all. However, in the absence of this con- 
venience we may make use of r 
ordinary windows. 
There are named below a few 
classes of plants that may be 
grown in the window garden 
and studied. 
1. Decorative House Plants. |. 
— Many lessons in plant growth | 
may be learned from house 
' plants if the pupils aid in start- 
ing them and caring for them. 
During the long vacation, if the 
school building is unoccupied, 
they may be taken home by 
pupils and returned again when a 
wanted. This plan may also be Younc Tomato PLANT IN 
followed during the coldest part sor: 
of the winter, if they are in danger of freezing in the school- 
house. Among the plants most suitable for this purpose are 
the begonia, geranium, wandering Jew, fuchsia, heliotrope, 
English ivy, oxalis, cyclamen, and fern. The first six of these 
are started from cuttings, oxalis from bulbs, and cyclamen from 
seeds. 
2. Annuals and Perennials. — Sow the seeds early in the 
spring in order to study their germination and growth. Use 
the seeds of vegetables and field crops as well as flowers. 
When the plants are ready, some of them may be transferred. 
to the outdoor school garden, if there is one, and others may 
be taken home and set out there. 
