THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER 



25 



Inichsias and Carnation? with a food which 

 they greatly appreciate. He also uses it 

 • in dilute form on Ferns, Callas, Begonias, 

 and Primroses, and if it works well with 

 all these plants, there is no good reason 

 why it should not prove satisfactory with 

 the general run of plants grown in win- 

 dow-garden and greenhouse, as the sorts 

 named do not differ greatly from most 

 others in habits and requirements. Its 

 effect on the plants named is very satis- 

 factory. It imparts to their foliage that 

 deep, rich color, which is a sure indication 

 of health. 



I presume the writer is correct, though 

 I would prefer a fertilizer made from the 

 product of the cow yard, because I l-iww 

 what that will do, and there is nothing in 

 the way of an experiment in its use. But 

 what he says about the impossibility of 

 getting it, especially in the city, is true, 

 and those who need a fertilizer of some 

 kind have to depend on some preparation 

 which can be found on the market. These 

 persons will do well to try the method 

 advised above. Experiment carefullv — 

 try it on a few plants at first and observe 

 results. It will be noticed that he does 

 not give any definite amount to use. This 

 cannot well be done, because artificial 

 manures vary greatly in strength. You 

 will have to ascertain the quantity for 

 yourself, beginning with weak solutions. 

 By watching the effect, you can soon 

 satisfy yourself as to whether more is 

 needed, or if you are giving all that the 

 jdant requires. If the growth that results 

 is healthy and vigorous, be satisfied with 

 that. Over-stimulated plants are sure to 

 fail in time. 



Unhealthy plants can often be brought 

 back to a condition of health by the appli- 

 cation of nitrate of soda. A piece about 

 the size of a marble will be enough for a 

 twelv^e inch pot. Other, and smaller sizes 

 in that proportion. When a plant lags, 

 this is valuable in assisting development. 



We often find in Summer, when obliged 

 to use hard water on plants, that - the 



young growth assumes a brownish tint 

 that is not desirable. A teaspoonful of the 

 nitrate dissolved in two gallons of water 

 will soften it, and have the effect of 

 keeping the plants upon which it is used 

 in fine condition. Apply twice a week. 



All kinds of plants are greatly benefited 

 by having frequent clianges made in the 

 food furnished them, while they are in a 

 process of development. All manures 

 must be "mixed with brains," like the 

 paints of the famous old artist, to make 

 them most effective. That is to say, use 

 them intelligently. Observe their action 

 and govern your use of them by their 

 eft'ect, increasing, varying, and modifying 

 as seems necessary in each particular case. 



THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER 



Marguerite Carnations. — Such plants as 

 you care to make use of for winter, ought 

 to be taken up and potted at once. Cut 

 away most of the top — all the flower- 

 stalks — and disturb the roots of the plant 

 as little as possible. Before lifting, wa- 

 ter well, to prevent the soil from crumbling 

 away from the roots. This necessitates 

 the use of the soil the plant has been 

 growing in all Summer, but no harm will 

 result from it if plenty of fertilizer is 

 used later on, when the plant begins to 

 grow. Do not take the plants into the 

 house immediately after potting, but put 

 them in a cool, shady place for a week or 

 ten days. Shower them well every day. 

 If this is. not done the red spider will be 

 pretty sure to injure them. I have here- 

 tofore spoken of the great value of this 

 plant for winter use, and I desire to 

 again call attention to its merits. I find 

 it more satisfactory, in many ways, than 

 any of the greenhouse varieties. It 

 blooms much more freely, and constantly- 

 Its flowers are perhaps not as large, on an 

 average, but they are as fine in form, color, 

 and fragrance. 



Palms and Ferns. — This is one of the 

 best months of the year in which to pro- 

 cure these plants for use in the living- 



