a window as far from the plants as possible. When too cold, a door or window in an adjoining 
room can be opened. Care should be taken, however, that no direct draft blows upon the tender 
plants, for nothing is worse than cold drafts for both plants and persons. The cracks around 
the sash and casing should be effectually closed. This can be done very neatly by pasting narrow 
strips of paper over them. A storm-sash or double window is the surest protection against frost, 
and next to this is a paper curtain between the plants and the window. 
THE SOIL AND WATER. 
The soil used in potting should be neither too sandy, as it will dry out too quickly ; nor too 
heavy, for this holds the w^ater too long, and is apt to become soggy. A mixture of sand, leaf- 
mould and common garden loam will 
suit almost all kinds of room plants. 
I would recommend the use of finely 
powdered charcoal in the bottom of 
the pots, not so much to secure good 
drainage as to correct ascidity in the 
soil occasioned by over-watermg. A 
moderate use of stimulants -will be 
found very beneficial to growing plants, 
but they should not be used on such 
as are partially or wholly dormant. 
Bone-dust, guano, and special ammo- 
niated preparations are the most con- 
venient, especially for city residents. 
To those who have the facilities for 
making liquid barn-yard manure, I 
would say, use that in preference to 
any other. 
The subject of watering is one that 
cannot be too carefully studied. How 
and when to water must be learned by 
experience. General directions only 
can be given. First of all, invariably 
use warm water. Water only when 
the soil becomes dry, and apply 
enough to wet the whole body of earth 
in the pot. Water sparingly rather 
than too often. Plants die more easily 
from drowning than from thirst. 
Cleanliness is as necessary to the health of plants as to animals, and it is, therefore, neces- 
sary to secure them from dust as much as possible, and also to cleanse the plants frequently by 
syringing or washing. Even here a little caution is necessary, for while the smooth-leaved 
plants, like Ivies, are benefited, not only by showering, but even by washing the leaves with 
a cloth or sponge, the rough-leaved plants, like the Begonia Rex, do not like to have the 
surface of their leaves frequently moistened, and should be cleaned with a soft brush. It 
would, therefore, be well to remove such plants before syringing. Take every precau- 
tion, however, to prevent the accumulation of dust upon the plants ; and above all endeavor 
to screen them from that terrible infliction, carpet-sweeping. It may be Avell enough to kill the 
old people by compelling them to breathe clouds of dust, but send the children into the fresh 
air to skate, or to snow-ball, and spare the plants, if possible. The essentials of success in 
plant culture are suitable soil, air, light, moderate and regular heat, a moist atmosphere, regular 
and moderate watering, and freedom from dust and foul gas. 
We have given a few illustrations of Window Gardens, all taken from photographs sent us by 
our amateur friends, and we think they will show that success is within the reach of all, and 
under almost any conceivable circumstances. 
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