OF HOUSE-PLANTS 



little later, will, in itself prove a trying ordeal 

 for it, since indoor conditions differ so greatly 

 from outdoor ones. Because it is already suf- 

 fering from injuries inflicted in taking it from 

 the ground it will be in poor condition to stand 

 the strain that faces it. If it could be potted 

 early in the season, and allowed to become 

 well established before removal to the house, 

 its chances would be much better. But while 

 the weather is pleasant and winter seems a 

 long way ofi^, not one amateur in a hundred 

 will be likely to think of lifting her plants. 

 It will therefore be readily apparent to any- 

 one that nothing is gained, in the long run, 

 by turning a plant out of its pot for the sum- 

 mer. But, on the contrary, much is lost, 

 since it must go into winter quarters in a 

 greatly enfeebled condition, and it may be 

 months before it regains sufficient vitality to 

 do satisfactory work. Quite frequently a plant 

 will not get over the drawbacks incident to 

 the fall season before winter is ended, and such 

 a plant is always most unsatisfactory, for we 

 want flowers in winter — not spring. But for 

 this failure to do itself justice the plant should 

 not be held responsible. It suffers from its 

 owner's lack of judgment. 



115 



