file ^aSies’ fftoral fiiGLfiwiet .ftctoriwl Home Samptwiian,. 
tasstp iuti| iarijEspnfreittae 
Rain Plant.—Will you please tell me something of 
the Rain Plant and its treatment ? I have some fine 
double Hyacinth bulbs which I would like to exchange 
with some of the Cabinet correspondents. 
Kittrell, N. C. Miss L. Foster. 
Answer. —If our correspondent will inform ns the 
botanical name of the so-called Rain Plant; we will 
try to assist her. 
Hydrangea. — 1. Would it he any safer to put 
Hydrangea Grandiflora in the cellar through the win¬ 
ter? 2. Are all Moss Roses hardy enough to endure 
a southern Wisconsin winter? I have just received 
some and am anxious to give them the best possible 
care, and dare not trust them in the garden, though 
the catalogues do say they are hardy. 
Footville, Wis. Mrs. Belva Stevens. 
Answer. —1. If Hydrangea Paniculata Grandiflora 
is meant, it is hardy in the Middle- States, but would 
winter well in a cold cellar. 2. It is doubtful if any 
Roses would live in your latitude such a winter as last. 
Plants from Seed.—Can Fuchsias, Rhododendrons, 
Gloxinia, Begonias, Cyclamen and Achimenes be grown 
from seed? I have tried Fuchsias and Rhododendrons 
several years in succession, bought seed from different 
seedsmen, and never had a plant. The others I have 
mentioned, I have tried also without success. I planted 
them every way I could think of, some under glass, 
some without glass, all with the same result; so I 
begin to think they can’t be raised from seed. I am 
very anxious to have some of those flowers, but I sup¬ 
pose I will have to give them up. I live so far from 
the railroad that if I have the plants brought by mail 
they die before I get them. I received a box by last 
mail, but they were nearly all dead when they arrived. 
Flatwoods, Ga. Mrs. Dr. Verdil. 
Answer. — All the plants named can be raised from 
seeds, but a few plants by mail would give better 
results. Plants are sent to Texas and California by 
mail, and a large percentage arrive in fair condition. 
We see no reason why, if properly packed, they 
should not reach Georgia. The plants named are 
among the best to travel if sent when at rest. 
Primroses.—Last year I had a young plant of 
double white Chinese Primrose, which grew finely, 
until all at once it wilted. On examination, I found 
the stems decayed at the root, also the root. It was 
gone beyond hope of recovery. One of my friends 
lost one (a single pink had bloomed) in the same 
way. It was during the very hot weather of last 
summer. Did they die from that, or was there some 
other i-eason for it? Should Primrose seedlings be 
picked out in thumb-pots, and shifted until large 
enough to bloom, or may they be placed at once in the 
pots they are designed to remain in; and, are three 
or four-inch pots large enough for them? 
Answer, —The hot weather and water lodging in the 
heart killed the Primroses. Seedlings should be pot¬ 
ted into small pots, and larger ones as they grow; it 
depends on the size of plants ; we flower them in six- 
inch pots. 
Begonia Seeds.—I have purchased seeds of the 
Camellia, Begonia Sedeni and Bocconia Japoniea, and 
would be glad to receive information as to their seed¬ 
ing and culture in the gossip corner. S. 
Answer. — The Begonia must be sown on the sur¬ 
face in a warm frame, but it does not come true from 
seed, and the Camellia seed will produce single flowers. 
Double Fuchsia. — 1. I have a double Fuchsia 
that T have kept all winter ; it had but few leaves on, 
and now I think it should improve in appearance, yet 
it seems to be dying. I examined the roots carefully 
and found no worms, and have watered it moderately. 
What can the trouble be ? 2. Can the root of a 
Chinese Primrose be divided; if so, what season is 
I best ? 3. I have sown some small seeds in saucers, they 
come up nicely and then the two leaves turn yellow 
and die. Nance Muller. 
Answer. — 1. If it is not growing, it was probably 
frozen in the winter. 2. Yes; any time during 
summer. 3. Probably too wet aud cold. 
Pots.—Will you please tell me if it is better, in 
setting out house plants in the summer, to sink the 
pots or set the plants out in open ground, such plants 
as Geraniums, Fuchsias, Roses, etc. Emma. 
Answer. —Sink the pot in the ground, but prevent 
worms from entering. 
Hydrangea.—I have some difficulty in getting a 
tender woody Hydrangea to grow. Wintered in the 
cellar, nicely repotted and put in the bay window, but 
instead of growing it began to fail, and although 
not dead it does not grow. What kind of soil suits it 
best? I do not know the specific name of this 
Hydrangea. Please tell me what peat is; I see it 
recommended for potting nearly all plants. What 
is the the best substitute for it when it cannot be 
obtained ? How many kinds of plants should be put 
in a hanging basket ? I have a Dracena, Smilax, 
Alyssum, Partridge Berry, Verbenas, Ice Plant aud 
Ivies. Out of this collection, what would be the most 
suitable for a basket. I have a basket filled with two 
kinds of Tradescantias, Smilax and variegated Ivy, 
that is the admiration of all who see it. 
Mrs. Lucie A. Schrock. 
Answer. —Plant the Hydrangea out in open ground; 
if any life remains it will make a good growth during 
summer. The plant was no doubt dry. These plants 
require a large quantity of water if grown in pots. 
Peat is the top sod from places where Ferns and Kal- 
mias grow ; it is composed, principally, of the live 
roots of trees, plants and decayed leaves. -Decayed 
leaves from dry woods is the best substitute. All the 
plants mentioned are suitable, the number required 
depends on the size of basket, but it is a mistake to 
crowd too many plants in one basket; the basket you 
describe would be a good guide in filling others. 
Honey Dew.—What is the cause of a sweet gummy 
1 substance, that apparently exudes from the leaves of 
plants, that we call “honey dew?” We find it on 
our Ivies and a few other plants with leaves of similar 
| nature. It seems to injure the plants. Dover. 
Answer. —It is often caused by insects, is easily 
removed with a sponge and soapy water. All broad¬ 
leaved plants require frequent washing in a room to 
remove dust, when the substance you mention will 
be removed at the same time. 
Hyacinths.—What do you think of transplanting 
Hyacinths immediately after they are through bloom¬ 
ing? At what period in the life of the Hyacinth bulb 
is the germ of the flower formed ? T supposed it to 
be between the time of flowering and the beginning 
of the summer rest, and consequently thought that 
during that season they should not be disturbed ; but 
a lady friend, with whom 1 was making some ex¬ 
changes recently, says she takes up her Hyacinths 
at any time and they never fail to bloom the next 
season. I know there are some winter flowering bulbs 
that refuse to display their flower stalks after being 
give more 
transplanted in the spring, but am not prepared to 
answer for my pet Hyacinths. Will not you or some 
of the Cabinet readers enlighten me ? 
Estelle F. 
Answer.— It is best not to disturb bulbs until growth 
is finished; if transplanted when growing the uext 
year’s fiowers will not be so fine. 
Poinsettia.—Will Anna Griscom or some of your 
many correspondents tell me what I shall do with my 
Poinsettia. It has grown in one straight stalk, two 
feet high, and blossomed once (being only one year 
old). I want it to branch, hut if I cut it I fear it will 
die. It has neither leaf nor branch now. 
Earl, Ill. Mrs. C. B. Clark. 
Answer .—Cut it down to about three buds from the 
pot. 
Why Plants do not Blossom. — Mrs. Sarah 
Martin, of Barre Centre, N. Y., is desirous of know¬ 
ing why her plants grow so very high, do not branch 
out, run to leaves and have no blossoms on them. 
Answer. — Growing in a dark place; 
light and air and keep cooler. 
Wandering Jew.—At what age does the Wander¬ 
ing Jew bloom ? Is there more than one kind ? 
N. II. 
Answer. —We do not recognize the plant by the 
name given. 
Wistaria.—-We have a thrifty growing Wistaria 
which never blooms. What is the matter with it ? 
Bertha. 
Ansiver. — If the plant is healthy and the rank 
shoots are pruned each year, there is no reason why 
it should not flower. 
Yucca Filamentosa. — Does it blossom every year 
or every third ? Mine has not bloomed for two years, 
and I have been told it did not bloom every year. 
Answer. — Every year. 
Lemon Tree.—What shall I do to our Lemon 
Tree to make it bloom ? It grows very first but will 
not blossom. We have no greenhouse and keep it in 
our sitting-room. 
Answer .—Jt is probably a seedling and requires 
grafting. 
Calla.—Should a Calla be re-potted; if so, bow 
often during the year? What kind of soil, .and when 
should it rest for winter bloom ? 
Mrs. W. H. Wood. 
Answer . •—-Yes; once; loam aud manure; from 
J nne until September. 
Sweet Peas. — Why do not my Sweet Peas blos¬ 
som ? I have tried for two years; the vines grow - 
luxuriantly but will not bloom H. W. M. 
Answer. —Never heard of Sweet Peas not bloom¬ 
ing. Are you sure you have Sweet Peas ? 
Cape Jessamine.— Will you give plain directions 
for caring for a Cape Jessamine. It has been about 
two years from a hot-house, seems to be thriving and 
green until it begins to bud, preparatory to blooming, 
when the leaves on the outer ends of the branches turn 
to a pale yellow and the buds all drop off; after which 
the leaves gradually resume their green appearance 
and proceed through the same formula again and 
again, about twice a year. Any information concern¬ 
ing it will he thankfully received. I should have said 
the yellow leaves drop off, giving place to new ones. 
E. M. Williams. 
Answer. - The plant probably becomes very dry. 
It requires a large quantity of water, if in good health, 
when growing in a pot; plant it out in the open 
ground during summer. 
