22 



VENTILATION CLEANLlNEbS. 



tions, bringing out by effective contrasts, or har- 

 monious blendings of flower and foilage, beauties 

 that will be a continued feast to the eye. 



VENTILATION. 



Fresh air should be given plants daily, or when 

 ever the temperature of the room rises too high. 

 Especially in the mild days of winter the window 

 garden should have ample ventilation. A vitiated 

 atmosphere, as the unconsumed gas from lights or 

 stoves, is as detrimental to plant as to human life, 

 while frequent exposure to fresh air strengthens 

 and enables them to endure the changes of temper^ 

 ature to which they are subject. Colorless, spin- 

 dling, sickly looking plants denote a want of fresh 

 air and sunlight. Direct drafts of cold air should 

 however be guarded against. 



CLEANLINESS. 



House plants should be protected as much as 

 possible while sweeping rooms, by throwing a light 

 cloth or newspaper over them ; yet with the best 

 care much dust will settle on the leaves and ob- 

 struct the numerous and delicate pores, which help 

 to maintain the vitality of the plant. Washing in 

 moderately warm water once a week will remove 

 dust and assist to guard against or exterminate in- 

 sects. A plant may be placed on its side in the 

 kitchen sink, and washed with a sponge or soft 



