November 12 , 1887. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
1G5 
command ; and even where difficulties of the hind 
exist, there are plants that thrive satisfactorily under 
very adverse circumstances, and minister to the pleasure 
of human beings even in the very lieartof the metropolis. 
Finally, hobbies or occupations of this kind need not 
be expensive where amateurs cultivate the society of 
gardeners ; for, in general, they are large-hearted 
enough to give assistance in advice and in plants to 
promote the welfare of their fellow men. At meetings 
and by societies of this kind there might be periodical 
distributions of spare plants for the benefit of amateurs 
who desire to grow plants yet have difficulty in obtaining 
under the artificial conditions to which window plants 
are subjected. The great majority of plants for 
window culture that are likely to come under the 
amateur’s care can be grown to perfection in a compost 
of two parts of mellow turfy loam that has lain for 
some time in a heap after being cut from the pasture 
or waste ground, one part of leaf-soil, a quantity of 
well-decayed stable manure, and a good sprinkling of 
sharp sand to secure porosity. A few subjects may- 
give greater satisfaction if a quantity of peat is used. 
Here, again, it is often expedient or necessary to call 
in the assistance of the professional gardener, not only 
writer has also seen a fine mass of the Scarborough 
Lily (Vallota purpurea) grown in an old zinc pail, 
because, said the grower, the bulbs burst earthen pots. 
Plenty of clean potsherds should be laid over the 
bottom of pots or boxes, and covered with a layer of 
moss or other rough material before filling in the soil. 
In pressing the latter down equally and rather firmly 
make it level, so that when water is applied it will 
soak the whole regulaily. 
No directions can be given as to the frequency that 
water will be required, as this can only be acquired by 
experience and observation, and it is a trite saying that 
Chrysanthemum, 
Amy Furze. 
them. This might take place in spring, after the 
summer bedding out and other planting has been 
finished, and again in autumn, when the beds are 
emptied. The distribution in spring would be most 
appreciated by those who do not possess a greenhouse 
or other means of preserving tender plants in winter. 
Soil, Potting and Watering. 
Once in possession of the plants, the first necessity that 
arises is suitable soil in which to cultivate them with 
any reasonable degree of success ; for although amateurs 
are frequently compelled to use ordinary garden soil, a 
greater incentive to plant-growing would be given if 
composts were readily obtainable, such as are required 
in giving advice, but to assist in supplying the 
material. 
Whether pots, pans, boxes, or other vessels are used 
in which to grow plants, ample provision should always 
be made to ensure perfect drainage—that is, the escape 
of surplus water, as nothing will sooner destroy plants 
than to be water-logged, which causes the soil to 
become sour. The resources of amateurs in the matter 
of pots is amusingly fertile, for I have frequently seen 
plants grown with a fair amount of success in old tea¬ 
pots and other domestic utensils without any attempt 
at drainage, and the consequences are often disastrous 
in winter, when growth is at its lowest ebb. The 
cannot be too frequently urged and impressed upon the 
inexperienced, that it must be done thoroughly if done 
at all, so that every part of the soil may be moistened. 
If success is to be attained, never allow the soil in pots 
during the active-growing period of plants to shrink 
away from the sides, as the roots in contact with the 
latter suffer not only from dryness, but from heat, if 
the pots are in any way exposed to the sun. In boxes 
the larger body of soil is not subject to such sudden 
fluctuations of heat and moisture, besides which the 
sides are, or should be protected by overhanging leafage. 
In warm dry weather an abundance of water should be 
given, especially if the plants are outside, provided the 
