DECORATIVE PLANTS 57 
robust habit, and grows rapidly, but the leaves are 
more easily injured than those of the feather-leaved 
varieties. Palms make very little growth while they are 
in the house. They do not need so much water during 
the winter, but the soil must be kept moist. During the 
summer they should be kept out of doors in the shade, 
and they must have an abundant supply of water so 
that they will form new leaves. 
Palms should be put into comparatively small pots, 
which may be increased in size as the plants grow, 
although they may be kept in good condition in the 
same pots for several years. In repotting use equal parts 
of fibrous loam and garden soil. Do not tear the roots 
apart or place much soil above them. If the plants are 
not to be repotted for several years, they should be given 
a rich top-dressing of cow or sheep manure or bone meal 
and dried blood each year, when they are placed out of 
doors. One inch of manure or a pint of equal parts of 
bone meal and dried blood is sufficient for a large plant. 
Place a layer of soil over the dressing. 
Large plants in halls should be kept in oak or cedar 
tubs with handles, so that they may be carried to a con- 
venient place where the leaves can be washed with a 
sprinkler. In order to keep the floor in good condition, 
an indurated-fiber flowerpot saucer or a zinc pan should 
be kept under the tub to catch the drainage. 
