WmDOW GARDENING. 237 
in the sunny meadows farther South; and the florist has transplanted ihera and 
carefully watched and tended their growth till the foliage has attained unwonted 
smoothness and beautj', and the hues of the tassel-shaped flowers have become 
clearer and brighter. Their large clusters of snow-white, or lilac blossoms, have 
a fine effect among geraniums, and they have always been much sought after as 
a winter blooming flower. The white varieties are most cultivated, being used for 
funeral crosses, and crowns, also for wedding bouquets. 
They prefer a sand}"-, peaty loam, with a good supply of water. In the spring, 
after blooming, shake out the old soil and repot in good loam and sand mixed 
in equal proportions. Make new plants of the cuttings. Start them in damp 
sand under glass. Water them much and frequently. Set them in the garden 
till September, then accustom them gradually to the indoor atmosphere. Tliey 
will bloom from November till February. "When in flower they do not need 
much sunshine, as it dims the whiteness of the flowers. 
Eupatorium ageratoides, E. Mexicmium and E. elcgans are the varieties 
most usually cultivated in conservatories and window gardens. They are of a 
beautiful feathery whiteness, and most desirable for purposes of decoration. In 
saving the seeds, cut the flowers while in full bloom, as they ripen quickly, and 
fly away, but they germinate easily. 
The Stevias, of similar foliage, but a yet more delicate and feathery flower, 
of a creamy white, cultivate in the same way. Pinch out all buds that appear 
on the.se plants during the summer. No plants can be so effectively grouped as 
geraniums with heliotropes, eupatoriums, and stevias, if proper attention is paid 
to an agreeable contrast of their blossoms, — the purple or lilac being always 
flanked with white— never with red or crimson or rose, — and the white muigled 
among scailets, crimsons, reds, and salmons — the white predominating. 
The Chinese Primrose. 
The Primula Chinensis is the gem of the collection of window plants. None 
surpass it in beauty ; and for continuous bloom, certainly none can be found more 
desirable. It is one of the best of all plants for the decoration of the drawing 
room or dining table, and always at home in the conservatory or greenhouse. 
For nine months out of the twelve they may be jnade to yield flowers, though 
most profusely from November to May, and with their colors of red, white, 
crimson, purple, and pink, they form objects of curious ornament. 
They are objects of easy care, requiring attention only in watering; the soil 
should not be allowed to get dry, and yet the roots are so tenacious of life, they 
will cling closely till the last moment around any particle of moisture in the earth. 
Keep the soil moderately moist, but not over saturated ; if evaporation or drain- 
age is slow, and ihe circulation througii the pot impeded, the plants will turn 
sickly and die off. We do not advise manure water; plain warm water is the 
best. The best varieties for window gardens are the Double White Primroses 
and rubra 2}ietia, a double red variety, indescribably charming. The single 
fringed varieties are very fine, but the above are now the most popular. One 
