WINTER PROTECTION 205 



plants, especially the Baby primroses. These are 

 practically ever bloomers and require only to have 

 the withered flower stalks removed as they fade. 

 Primroses appear to best advantage when grown in 

 window boxes, making that loveliest of all things — 

 a primrose window. Choose clear scarlets and pure 

 whites by preference. Plunge the pots in boxes, 

 filling in between with sand or sphagnum moss, kept 

 constantly moist and they will be things of beauty 

 all winter. Do not overwater and see that the drain- 

 age in the pots is sufficient and that the crown of 

 the plants stands rather high in the pot, so that 

 water may run from, rather than settle around, the 

 crown, but always allow an inch of space between the 

 soil and the top of the pot in potting any plant, for 

 the necessary watering. 



Calceolarias and cinerarias are most satisfactory 

 plants for winter blooming, as they are certain of 

 bloom and easily cared for. Cinerarias are apt to 

 be infested with green lice and for this must be 

 sprayed with tobacco tea, or if not in bloom may be 

 treated with hot water — at about 136° if the plant 

 is to be dipped, which should always be done if 

 practicable, or 140° if used as a spray. The hot 

 water bath may be used in place of insecticides in 

 nearly all cases of infected plants with superior re- 

 sults. The hot bath not only kills all insect life, but 

 also cleanses and refreshes the foliage. It is sure 



