leaves densely 
clothed with fine 
hairs, which form 
a mat holding a non- 
conducting layer of 
air — or, to use a 
parallel that the gardener will understand, a practical mulch. When there is unusual exposure 
to dust and dirt of any sort, the hairy leaf is at a disadvantage, since it collects and holds the 
particles. A thick, smooth leaf can be washed. 
The ubiquitous Rubber Plant (smooth, thick leaO and the democratic Geranium (hairy leaf) 
have proved their worth and are universally approved; but there are other meritorious plants 
equally sure to endure, a few of which are shown herewith and may be readily bought. 
The worst folly in the management of house plants is to rush to concentrated chemical fer- 
tilizers as a remedy for the symptoms of ill health. Remember that the plant is a living thing 
and when weakened by ill health — even though it be from insufficient nourishment — can no more 
assimilate concentrated food than a sick child can be brought back to health by gorging on the 
luxuries of the pantry! The indicated remedy is water, less heat and an equable genial atmos- 
phere. Regular attention to watering is an ever present essential in the management of house 
plants. Under no circumstances must the soil in the pot be permitted to become really dry. 
Nor on the other hand must it be kept constantly saturated. Air must get to the roots some- 
times. The only rule to go by is to give water copiously when needed. — L. B. 
FOR INSIDE THE HOUSE 
WITHSTAND OVER-HEATED AIR CONDITIONS 
The Date Palms are the least exacting of the family. 
All are broadly spreading plants. Roebilin’s Date 
(Phoenix Roebilini) is a small grower and has finely 
divided leaves 
Justicia vein tin a 
comes from Brazil and 
is an excellent flowering 
plant for the house. 
Quite easy to grow and 
gives its pink flowers 
during winter. Foliage 
is velvety 
Sanseviera has an odd appearance but is extremely en- 
during of hard conditions of heat and dust. The leathery 
leaves are very thick, dark green in S. zeylanica. The form 
with yellow margins is the variety Laurenti 
There is no more enduring plant than the Bird’s 
Nest Fern (Asplenum Nidus). It is a well known old 
fashioned favorite not to be despised or forgotten 
This massive fern. Cibotium Scheidii is always a 
surprise as a house plant. It looks tropical and fra- 
gile, yet is easily grown provided that it never gets dry 
175 
