ON ROOM PLANTS. 



779 



are cheap at first cost. C. Coum, C. europceiim, C. hedercefolium 

 (C. repanduni)^ and C. Atkinsii are very desirable sorts. They 

 should be potted up carefully in September, using two parts leaf- 

 mould to one part each of silver -sand and fibrous loam, and 

 leaving the tops of the corms well above the soil. Water care- 

 fully until blossoms show, when give weak liquid manure in 

 addition. After flowering, stand them outside in a shady 

 position, and repot next September. If carefully used, good 

 corms will last for years. Another useful little pot-plant is 

 Eranthis Jiy emails^ which may be grown by even the most in- 

 experienced of window-gardeners, as it requires neither special 

 soil nor any particular attention. 



From time immemorial Pelargoniums (commonly called 

 Geraniums) have been popular. There are now some lovely 

 Zonals that lend themselves to this phase of gardening. Show 

 and Fancy, as well as the soft-hued and varied Ivy-leaved 

 section. The last-named are especially suited for basket-plants, 

 to be described later. All the Pelargoniums do well in a south 

 window, and will blossom most abundantly in their season. The 

 flowers should be removed as soon as they are faded, when 

 others will quickly be produced over a long season. Fuchsias 

 are still amongst the best of plants for window gardeners, and 

 the varieties upon the market are ahead of the old - time kinds 

 which did duty. The Pelargoniums require to be kept on the 

 dry side in winter ; but Fuchsias should have a little water in 

 the dull season. For fuller details, see the Chapter "On Bedding 

 Plants." 



Musk is always appreciated as a window-plant on account of 

 the grateful perfume it emits. Harrison's Musk should be selected 

 as well as the old-fashioned kind. These are best for partially 

 shaded positions. Musks are moisture-loving subjects. Other 

 sweet-scented plants are the Stocks, which are readily raised from 

 seed. 



Asters are largely employed to give bright colour in autumn ; 

 but many are pure white and quite Chrysanthemum-like in 

 appearance. The Comet is a singularly beautiful strain, and 

 should always be included. Then there are The Bride and the 

 dwarf-growing Victorias. 



Blue flowers are by no means numerous outside bulbous 

 subjects, and therefore a pot or two of Forget-me-Nots {Myosofis) 

 should be welcome to many in spring. They should be raised 

 from seed sown in May, when plants thus obtained will blossom 

 early the next season. 



There are quite a number of Primulas to select from, and 

 window gardeners will do well to note such kinds as the pretty 

 and floriferous F. obconica, though this distinct species (Fig. 520) 

 is objected to by many on account of the irritation of the 

 skin often set up by touching the leaves. This, however, 



