OH^FTEIl IV. 
3i?ii;ciAL Care of Window Gardens. 
In Winter 
The beauties of the flower garden are gone, and we are now left to solasa 
ourselves with any green thing we can coax by artificial help to grow and bloom 
during the long winter months, till spring returns again. Naturally enough we 
hate to lose the sight of the flowers, and graceful flutter of the green leaves, so 
we strive to prolong our joy, as far as possible, under many difficulties through 
unsuitable seasons. 
During the winter seasons Che chief requisites of success, are plenty of sun- 
shine, an atmosphere not too dry or close, a mild uniform temperature, and 
especial attention to cleanliness, watering and daily care. 
Plants which receive only a few moments of attention a day and then forgot- 
ten, soon become a disgrace, and the window garden becomes a nuisance. 
In the open ground plants will flourish if left to themselves, but when grown 
in a pot, they are under artificial restraints and conditions, and must become 
an object of constant attention. This very necessity of the case renders window 
gardening of so much greater interest than out door gardening. 
Plants at night should be in the dark, as that is their natural condition so 
that they may rest, and yet it is equally important that they should be freely ex- 
posed to the sun as long as light lasts. 
So, especially in the winter months, when there is comparatively so little 
sunlight, place them as closely to the windows as they can be well managed, if 
not, they will become unsightly, drawn and weak. The more light that a plant 
receives the more freely can it absorb carbon and breathe out oxygen; so if you 
wish your plants to be purifiers of the air, be sure that they have plenty of light, 
and keep both blinds and curtains from obstructing it. 
The necessity for air in the winter is no less imperative than the demand for 
light. In order to cultivate Geraniums successfully, a constant supply of fresh 
air is very needful. Roses, Verbenas, and indeed all plants demand it. 
When plants are first brought into the house they should not be stimulated, but 
allowed a little time to become accustomed to their new quarters ; and they will 
often wither a little from the want of fresh air, so let the windows be open all 
day, if it is sunny, and accustom them by degrees to the change of temperature. 
It is not desirable to allow them to remain out too late in the season, but they 
should be housed before any danger of frost arises ; a slight chill will frequently 
