52 



A SIMPLE FLOWER GARDEN. 



upon it, nor any mould or weeds growing over it. If the 

 soil is, about once a month, stirred or scraped an inch 

 deep, cleanliness will be secured. The plants themselves 

 will be improved by thus stirring the soil and keeping it 

 light, and open to the influence of sun, air, and water. 



THE POTS 



should be washed occasionally, and the green, slimy mould 

 that gathers upon the sides of the pot kept away. An- 

 other advantage results from this : that is, the pots are kept 

 porous, which seems to be of great benefit to all plants 

 growing in them. 



THE PLANTS 



must be kept free from all broken stems, dead leaves, dust, 

 or mould. In the garden the wind and rain will do all this, 

 but. in the house these are wanting. The hand, watering- 

 pot, syringe, and bath must take their place. 



TEMPERATURE. 



This is the last, and most important of all matters con- 

 nected with the care of house plants. The right degree of 

 heat to maintain in the room varies with the weather. On 

 sunny days the thermometer may rise ta seventy or even 

 seventy-five. On cloudy days a lower temperature is desir- 

 able. Sixty-five, or from that to sixty-eight, will be found 

 nearly right. It will not suit them all ; but as the growing 

 of so many kinds in one room is at best a compromise, thia 



