WINDOW GARDENING. 213 
the whole with water, and see that each cutting is fixed and immovable with 
out a strong pull. Upon the close contact of cutting and soil depends half of 
youi success. Keep in a temperature not over 50° during the winter, and 
among the cuttings Avill be found several which have the heads of future bloom 
in the upper leaves, and the perfect flowers will expand by April or ^lay. 
Of course the cuttings must not be allowed to become dr}'. Most plants col- 
lect during the summer a greater store of nutiiment than is required for their 
support during the winter; so if cuttings of Oleander, Il3'drangeas, Cacti, etc., 
are taken late in the season, they possess quite a store of nutiiment, and will 
grow better, and flower more profusely. 
The only trftuble is that these late cuttings require more care to keep Iheni 
alive during the winter than if they had been made in the spring, but where 
there is no difliculty, there is no honor. 
Boiivardia. 
These winter blooming plants are invaluable in every conservatory or indoor 
garden. They arc of a shrubby character, of the easiest culture and becom- 
ing exceedingly popular. They have the merit of being free bloomers, flowering 
in clusters of varied colors from pink to crimson, scarlet and white, and their 
flowers are considered excellent for bouquets. As plants for the decoration of 
the lawn, also, it is doubtful if they have any superior. In outdoor culture they 
■will bloom from August down until cold wcatlier, and if lifted within doors be- 
fore frost, they will continue blooming down until March. 
They arc popular with every florist on account of their profusion of bloom, 
and the number and excellence of varieties seems to increase yearly. Still they 
are little known in any of our coimtry homes or family flower gardens. They 
are essentially lovers of the hot house during the winter, needing a temperature 
at night of 55° to flower well. 
They are propagated chiefly from pieces of the roots, as cuttings do not grow 
easil)'; yet it is best for all amateurs at first to 'procure their plants already 
started, and then by degrees learn the art of reproduction. 
The plants require training, and the tops should be nipped ofl" frequently in 
the summer to give them a bushy shape. They are also tender, and a slight 
chill only will prove injurious. Give them a good suppl}-- of water when in full 
flower, less in sunimcT. 
The usual method of culture is to let them grow during the summer in the 
common garden border ; then in the fall lift them, pack very closely in 
sand filled boxes, and store in the cellar to keep through the winter. If desired 
to bloom during the winter, cut back one-half the wood, water sparingly, 
place in the cellar for six weeks, then bring to the heat and light, give a copious 
watering, and in a few days you will have a fine bloom. 
The soil for potting should bo loam, leaf mould, peat, and a little sprinkling 
of silver sand ; pot firmly. If you wish immediate bloom, let the plants stand out 
doors in the fall, two weeks before you bring them to the conservatory, and 
