152 How TO Grow Cut Flowees. 



a week will carry them through, being careful not to 

 apply it to them when they are dry. They should be 

 grown in a temperature of from 68° to 70°, no air ad- 

 mitted to the plants direct, but sufficient allowed to es- 

 cape to keep the house sweet. Shading should be sup- 

 plied in a way that will be permanent, and for this, com- 

 mon paint is best. If desired to give it a green tinge, 

 it can be easily done, and the effect produced is much 

 the same as seen in their native wilds. Warmth, a 

 moist atmosphere and shade are the three great requi- 

 sites to a successful growth. Of insect enemies, the snail 

 is the worst, and must be guarded against. Before any 

 plants are put in a house it should be thoroughly scalded, 

 every inch of it, wood work benches and all the soil 

 underneath them, with boiling water; If this is done 

 thoroughly, and snails are not brought in afterwards by 

 means of soil or other methods, but little trouble will be 

 had from them during the entire season. I would not 

 advise the planting of ferns on benches, as they will 

 not produce as many fronds by one third as when treated 

 in the way described. 



Asparagus plumosus is largely taking the place of 

 smilax for decorations. Form a solid bed on the 

 ground where plenty of head room can be had, giving 

 tile drainage and a foot of good soil. For the first sea- 

 son's growth, plant as early as you can spare the room, 

 giving it as much of the season as possible, but the 

 same plants will do well forTwo or three years. After 



