34 



PLANTS FOR WINDOW GARDENING. 



and winter as old plants. We have found a large bed pre- 

 pared for rhododendrons and azaleas the most favorable 

 place. It is sheltered from the south by a belt of white 

 pines. The soil of prepared peat is suited to the wants of 

 the plant, while the large foliage of the rhododendrons 

 keeps the soil moist by preventing rapid evaporation. For 

 the older plants, we choose a shaded spot, and prepare a 

 bed of coal ashes ; slope the bottom to carry off superfluous 

 moisture ; plunge the pots in the bed of ashes, and if the bed 

 is exposed to the sun for any length of time, shade by an 

 awning. Be careful not to crowd the plants ; a free circu- 

 lation of air is essential. By this mode, the pots are never 

 exposed to the rays of the sun ; the plants receive plenty of 

 light • without being burned, and by syringing at evening, 

 and sprinkling (not pouring) water upon the pots and bed, 

 a sufficiency of moisture is secured. Some varieties of the 

 soft-wooded class, such as Caffra rubra and alba, margari- 

 tacea, and others, do best planted out in the full sunshine. 

 The growth becomes short and stout, and the plants are 

 more hardy and less liable to injury. By this course, how- 

 ever, all beauty of foliage is lost, for the plants become of a 

 rusty brown color, which never disappears till the leaves fall. 

 Re-potting should be done whenever the roots become 



