IO 



SOILS. 



failure and disappointment, which might be avoided 

 by observation and by availing themselves of the 

 experience of others. 



The main points in rearing window plants, after 

 having made a judicious selection of the best vari- 

 eties of each kind, are to secure for them, as near 

 as possible, the soil, temperature, degree of atmos- 

 pheric moisture and the amount of light and water 

 required by their natural habit. 



SOILS. 



Most plants will flourish in widely different soils 

 if they have favorable atmospheric conditions as to 

 moisture and temperature. Many florists have dis- 

 carded the use of special soils, and pot nearly all 

 their plants from the same heap of mold ; the con- 

 ditions supplied by the greenhouse render the com- 

 position of the earth of less importance. But when 

 subject to the vicissitudes of the living-room, plants 

 should have every possible advantage to be derived 

 from a congenial soil. We have, therefore, given 

 the soil most desirable in the treatment of each 

 plant. . 



The best constituents for compost are fresh loam, 

 rotted stable manure, leaf -mold and sand. Those 

 who cultivate many plants should keep a barrel or 

 box of each of these on hand, from which they can 

 readily prepare proper material for potting or shift- 

 ing as becomes necessary. On the approach of 

 winter a supply should be placed in the cellar. 



