142 



THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 





of charcoal in the soil, and with the drainage material mix 

 larger pieces. 



Next, the plants should be watered according to their 

 season. When they are flowering, water freely ; when they 

 are not (they are then said to be resting), give much less. 



Remember, also, 

 to watch the 

 plants on very 

 sunny days. 

 Through the win- 

 ter the sun 

 streams in the 

 windows almost 

 directly on the 

 plants, and in 

 '. spring and fall is 

 often especially 

 hot. Do not let 

 the plants dry 

 out too much. 



On account of 



this very hot sun, 



again, be careful 



not to wet the leaves when the sun is directly on them. 



They may then burn and shrivel. 



Fertilizers are likewise different. Instead of nitrate of 

 soda or liquid manure for rapid leaf growth (they may of 

 course be applied whenever the plant looks sickly) bone 

 dust, which is finer than bone-meal, may be mixed with the 

 top soil, half a teaspoonful at a time. For coaxing plants 

 to flower, you can buy at the florists' various mixtures, which 

 are usually good. Apply carefully according to directions, 

 and be sure not to give too much. 



Fig. 77. — A house-plant. Gloxinia. 



