familiar is the practice of setting the pots in a box containing all inch or 
two of sund; moss will answer the purpose equally us well. 
Ceraniums Not Flowering. -Why do not my geraniums 
-^5 flower ?— is a question we hear very frequently. When we 
do not see the plants we cannot answer with any degree of 
satisfaction, because wo do not positively know. When WO 
do, there is, as a rule, but one answer — viz., they are in too 
JWlcsfoftty large pots. A live-inch pot is sufficiently large for gcrun- 
iums. The best of all designs for growing the geranium in 
is a tin can; old fruit cans are admirable ; the quart size is 
=T^ SHS]h 1 — much better than a seven-inch pot. In such the plants dc- 
mMwjM Imnfi light, simply because the soil does not dry out so rapidly; 
~^T / the soil remains moist and cool, the proper conditions of 
growth. Wo have seen geraniums grow in pint tin cans that 
for profusion of bloom and size and vigor of foliage would 
put the florist to shame. 
How to Keep Plants Free from Insects. -To keep 
plants free from insect pests requires constant watchfulness and con- 
siderable labor. If we wait until our stock is overrun with green fly, scale 
and mealy bug, the task is almost hopeless. If wo arc faithful in our 
work and take the llrst. of the intruders and put them ruthlessly t<« the 
sword, it is comparatively easy. Tobacco smoke is certain death to the 
green fly or Aphis. If the plants are in a room that can de closed tight 
and all smoked at once, by using an iron pot filled with moist or damp 
tobacco stems, into which drop a few live coals, so much the bettor; but 
as the many that keep plants have no such convenience, they must con- 
iine their plants In a paper hag or barrel, and there give them a good dose 
of smoke ; the mealy bug and scale usually succumb to a touch of a camel s 
hair brush, dipped in a mixture of alcohol and water, equal parts. 
SOME GOOD WINDOW PLANTS. 
AbutilOnS.— Have once more come into stylo for window plants, 
and there is no reason why they should not stay in style, seedlings grow 
easily and are interesting. 
Begonias.— Can ull be kept in the shadier part of the window or 
conservatory. They stand the dust and heat of the ordinary living room 
without complaint. 
F uchsia. The Fuchsia has never been surpassed for grace or love- 
liness, both of growth and color, can be propagated from seed readily, it 
is easily managed, and prefers a buck seat in window or conservatory. 
Ageratum.— Is delightful under nil conditions— as a vase plant, a 
bedder, or a window plant. 
Ceranium8— Have the advantage of belonging to health-giving 
plants ozone breeders. The apple-scented is n 
delicious. They can be easily grown from s 
and flower the first season, if sown early. 
Chinese Primrose -Should he pla 
at the head of the list as giving the greatest sa 
faction as a window plant. The plants being d\v 
may be placed nearest the glass, and compactly 
they do not require large pots. 
Heliotrope —Does very well as a wit 
plant, but must be kept moist at the roots, 
cultural directions under proper heading. 
ClOXinia— Is a grand flower and makes a lovely window plunt, as 
easily grown and cared for as many of the common flowers. 
5 
