FOR YOUNG GARDENERS. 51 



A kitchen makes a fine hospital for sick plants as the 

 moisture from cooking makes a damp atmosphere. 



The very best plants for a window garden are those 

 adapted to resist a dry atmosphere and high temperature 

 and insufficient light. They are found among tropical 

 plants with coriaceous leaves with small stomata, such as 

 Palms, Rubber Plants, etc. Flowering plants are best in- 

 troduced when about to bloom. The best windows for 

 most plants are those with a southern exposure. Trouble 

 is likely to come from the use of unsuitable soil. The 

 best time to take up plants, growing in the open air, for 

 winter bloom inside is generally the last of August. Pot 

 them and put in a shaded place for a few days, sprinkling 

 the foliage during the middle of pleasant weather. Plants 

 so treated will get a good start and bloom during the win- 

 ter months instead oi waiting until Spring as is likely to 

 be the case with plants remaining in the ground till frost 

 comes. Avoid draughts and the application of too much 

 water at the root until the plants have become accustomed 

 to their new quarters. 



I will treat briefly of the following topics: 

 1. Mixing and fertilizing the soil. 



For common plants — Geraniums, Coleus, Bego- 

 nias. 



For Palms and Roses. 



For Cacti, etc. 



Selecting and arranging the plants in boxes. 



Potting and re- potting plants. 



Propagation. 



Bulbs. 



Care of plants. 



MIXING AND FERTILIZING THE SOIL. 



The preparation of the soil is one of the first and most 

 important points for success in gardening of any kind. It 

 is obvious with plants grown in pots or boxes where the 

 roots are necessarily more or less cramped, that the soil 

 must be rich in available food and in sustaining power. 



