FOR YOUNG GARDENERS. 
57 
while it is in bloom it is very effective. A few bulbs in a 
window box with other plants, if they are judiciously ar¬ 
ranged, will add to it. 
CARE OF THE PEANTS. 
Water is the most essential element of plant food, and 
water and air are two things that every plant requires, yet 
there are no set rules that can be given when these things 
should be applied. Generally speaking, however, a plant 
should only be watered when it is dry and should then be 
watered sufficiently to wet it thoroughly. Sometimes it is 
necessary to water plants two or three times a day in sunny 
weather, and again, in cloudy weather, once a week may 
be often enough. Plants should receive good air. It is 
well to open a window for a few moments every bright 
snnny day, even in winter. Dust frequently clogs the 
pores. For this reason it is best to sprinkle the foliage of 
plants by taking them to the kitchen sink or to the bath¬ 
tub at least once or twice a week. If this is not practicable, 
dusting with a duster or washing coriaceous leaves with a 
sponge is advisable. Where the plants can be properly 
sprayed, they are not likely to be troubled very much with 
insects. In case a single plant is covered with green fly, 
place a paper bag over it and have some friend who 
smokes, puff the cigar smoke into the bag. A few times 
will remedy this trouble. Scale insects, if they once get 
hold, can only be removed by washing off with a stiff 
brush, or, if near a florist, have him give it the Hydro 
Cyanic Acid Gas treatment. Pyrethrum or tobacco dust 
is also valuable but is generally too objectionable to have 
in a living room. The best preventative is to always keep 
the plants in perfect health and growing. The pots or 
window boxes should be turned frequently so as to have 
the plants develop symmetrically. 
In closing I will only say that it is the loving attention 
to the little requirements of the plants that is the secret of 
the greatest success with the window garden. Many of 
those requirements can only be learned through coming 
