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Growing plants from seed is a more satisfactory way than 

 to purchase plants from some one else. If this latter is 

 done you have missed the first of their life story and will 

 not feel on such friendly terms with the plants. It is a 

 cheaper method too, for you see the florist charges for 

 doing that which you might have done but didn't. How- 

 ever, not all plants will grow from seed and from many it 

 is best to take cuttings. 



GEXEEAL SUGGESTIOXS. 



While some plants need more water than others, do 

 not make the mistake of keeping them all in pots of mud. 

 As long as the soil seems moist to the touch it is a safe 

 rule to give no water. When the water has been ab- 

 sorbed the soil will dry; then it should be watered liber- 

 ally. 



Plants need fresh air. Open the windows on mild 

 days but do not allow the wind to blow across the plants. 

 It is better to open the windows every day, if the plants 

 are somewhat protected on very cold days, than to open 

 them wide once in a while and chill the plants because 

 they are not used to the out door air. 



Keep your plants clean. They cannot be healthy if 

 they are covered with dust. If you wish to wash the plants 

 without removing them from the window a sponge is the 

 best for the purpose. If you remove the plants from the 

 window then a sprinkling or shower bath is best. On a 

 mild day when the rain is falling gently set all the pots 

 out of doors. 



Too great heat during the day will make your plants 

 look sickly. Most plants prefer a cooler air at night even 

 if it drops as low as 45 or 50 degrees, but there are some, 

 begonias, the coleus, etc., the hot house plants, which 

 prefer an even warmth. There are others, such as the 



