OP VERBENAS. 
healthy appearance, and stocky growth, with a profusion of 
flower. Prepare the liquid the evening before it is to be used, by 
dissolving one ounce of the Ammonia in two gallons of water ; if 
the plants are coming into flower, it may be used twice a week 
with safety. A good fertilizer may also be made by dissolving 
one pound of Guano in ten gallons of water, letting it stand 
twenty-four hours. This may be used once a week, but not in 
connection with the Ammonia. Where either of the above cannot 
be obtained. Hen manure may be used as a substitute, preparing 
it as recommended for Guano. 
As the leaves of a plant are the lungs through which it 
breathes, it is very important that they be kept clean and free 
from the dust, which is constantly settling upon them in dry 
rooms. This must be done by showering the plants three or 
four times a week, for I consider the shower bath very essential 
to their health and growth. Where there are but few plants, it 
may be done with very little inconvenience, by setting them into 
an empty tub and showering with a fine rose-sprinkler. In the 
early part of Winter, when it is necessary to shower the foliage 
without overwetting the soil, lay the pot down upon its side. 
Care must be taken to keep down the insects, if they once get 
the start, the plant will be a long time in recovering from the 
injury done by them. They are easily destroyed by fumigating 
with tobacco. Place a dish of coals under the plant stand and 
throw on a handful of tobacco, fifteen minutes’ smoking will 
destroy them ; or, if but a few plants, set them in a groupjipon 
the kitchen floor, place a few chairs about them, over which throw 
an old quilt or carpet, forming a tent, set the coals and tobacco 
underneath, but not so near as to scorch the plants. In this way, 
the insects may be destroyed without the inconvenience of having 
the smoke in the parlor. 
SHintcrrag Ijjem in: |)its. 
I succeeded in wintering some three hundred plants in a pit 
made like a common hot bed, with the exception of strong posts 
17 
