Window Boxes and House Plants 
209 
barrowload of the compost. Ferns, of course, require 
plenty of peat in their compost. Soil suitable for them 
should be made up as follows: 4 parts peat, 2 part fibrous 
loam, 1 part leaf soil, and ^ part sand. Potting soil 
should neither be too wet nor too dry. A good test is 
to press a handful of it tightly in the hand. Then, when 
the hand is opened, if the soil just drops to pieces it will 
be suitable. If it sticks together in a ball it is too wet. 
When potting, the soil should be made fairly firm for all 
house and window plants. No possible harm can be done 
on the side of firmness if the above precautions have been 
taken. 
WATERING 
It is quite impossible to give exact instructions on paper 
as to watering. So much depends not only on circum- 
stances, but on the kind of plant, the season of the year, 
the place where the plants are growing, &c. Certain rules, 
however, may be laid down for general guidance. 
First of all, the pots should be gently tapped with the 
knuckles. If they emit a clear ring, water is required. 
Or the pot may be taken between the fingers and thumb, 
the fingers being inside the pot and gently pressing the 
soil. If this feels at all dry and dusty, the plant requires 
water. Experience may very soon be gained by those 
who try it and watch results. If by any chance the 
plants get so dry that the soil leaves the pots, the plants 
must be stood in water so that the pots are completely 
covered. They must be left until the air bubbles cease 
to rise from the soil. If, on the other hand, plants are 
watered too freely, the whole of the spaces between the 
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