WINDOW GARDENING. 
27 
out doors ; the leaves of the plant may be broad and shield the pot and roots ; 
so do not forget to give these a chance also. If the leaves of plants are very 
dirty, warm water with a little soap and the use of the sponge or syringe, will 
remove all dirt. Exposure to the fresh air is not as dangerous as many would sup- 
pose, provided the temperature is mild. They are, in fact, benefited by such 
exposure and become far more hardy and able to resist sudden changes of tem- 
perature, much better than if kept constantly confined to the room. 
Very few have any idea of how fast the dust accumulates in a room ; it is in 
fact one of the greatest enemies the housewife has to contend with. A short 
time only, suffices to see the leaves of a plant covered with dust; if it is not re- 
moved, they soon get brown and wither ; and it is really delightful, after giv- 
ing them a good washing, to see how bright and shining are the leaves and how 
greatly they have been invigorated. 
Watering Plants. 
When shall I tcater my plants f is a vexed question, asked perhaps more 
frequently than any other by the beginner. This depends entirely upon the 
nature of the plant, for some need more water than others, and yet a soil thor- 
oughly wet is totally unfit for plant-growing. The real idea each cultivator 
should aim for is to supply the plants with water, which may drain rapidly 
through the pots, yet sufficient be retained to give a good moist soil for 
the plant to live in. If the water passes away rapidly it will need replacing 
frequently. It is generally a sign of health when the soil is well drained and the 
plant uses up the supply of water quickly. 
Watering should be supplied with a careful hand, for many parlor gardeners 
have an unrestrainable belief in the hydropathic process. To them there is 
only one orthodox rule : if the plants will wither up or are troubled with insects 
and do not grow as healthy and freely as they might, they drench it with a flood 
of cold water; so it is a fact, that more plants perish in the hands of the inex- 
perienced, from having too copious a supply than too little. There are others 
again more cautions in their applications of water, who are, on the other hand, 
totally heedless of drainage, and let the water stand in the saucers under the pots, 
or in boxes without drainage, causmg mould and sogginess of soil, rendering the 
roots weak and unhealthy. 
The purposes of watering should be better understood. 1st. Water supplies 
to the roots fertilizing matter, contained in itself, and 2d. It converts the nour- 
ishment of the soil into a liquid form more readily fit for absorption by the 
roots. The roots can obtain it only when the soil is dampened. 
Never give water when the soi' S moist to the touch, but wait until it is dry. 
Few plants thrive if water is around them constantly ; yet Lobelias, Callas, 
Ivies, etc., are very thirsty and like to drink at their own will. Indeed they 
will not bloom or grow well unless you allow them so to do. 
The healthiest plants require water the most frequently; and yet it may 
appear a contradiction to say that the plants which contain the most watery 
