®Ijp i. 1. Mill IGtbrarg Nortlj (Earoltna ^tat? Hmoerattg ^B4 1 9 W5 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES iini' S01141739 Q THIS B(X)K IS DUE ON THE DATE INDICATED BELOW AND IS SUB- JECT TO AN OVERDUE FINE AS POSTED AT THE CIRCULATION DESK. 1^2 50M/3-75 WINDOW GARDENING. tiKV0Ti:D SPE(nAi.LY TO THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, In Poop. Use and 'Rarloh Decoi^tion D T T KB BY HENRY T. WILLIAMS. FOURTEENTH EDITION. NEW YOEK: LADIES' FLORAL CABINET CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and seventy-one, by HENRY T. WILLIAMS, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. , PREFACE I The taste for Window Gardoning and tho plant decoration of apartmonta is becoming universal : scarcely a cottage or villa but has its attempts, whether simple or elaborate, to decorate the windows, the porch, or the balcony with some lew flower-pots or climbing vines; it is a sign of healthy sentiment, for the presence of flo\^ ers always aids in the development of re- finement and an elevated taste. This volume has been written specially as a help and an encouragement to ladies and all flower-lovers, to assist them with judicious hints and sugges- tions in their eflbrts to make homo more beautiful by the use of plants , around their windows or balconies. With the exception of a very lew pages, pi'operly credited to English writers (Mr. Robinson and Shirley Hibberd, upon subjects as yet unfamiliar to American readers), the literary matter of this volume is entirely original, being contributed by the Editor, and assisted by several American writers, enthusiastic flower lovers, who have cheerfully written articles on special topics. The aim has been to jiroduce a volume suited to American uses, which would be simple, reliable, adapted to the needs of amateurs and beginners in home plant culture, yet abundant in suggestions of the many ways to render honje attractive. Previous editions of this volume have been called for rapidly, and received with marked pleasure, and it is hoped that, in this new edition, where the errors of former editions have been corrected, the reader will still continue to show favor toward a work issued rather for the public good than the per- sonal emolument of the author. Should the interested reader feel pleased with this little testimonial to one of the most beautiful of all departments of flower culture, and the desire of the author to foster tho fancy for window ornament, he will not regret his effort to add some definite encouragement to the more extensive development of rural taste. The Editor. .56895 ^^^'^TL Fl(?. I.— Decorative Bird Cage and WINDOW GARDENING CH^P^TER I. Its Pleasures — Increase in Popular Taste — Refinlnq Influences. No home of taste is now considered complete without its Window Garden. Indeed it may be said that Window Gardening is one of the most elegant, satis- factory, 3'et least expensive of all departments of Rural Taste. As a useful means for developing a taste for plant-life and a love for flowers, I count nothing so effective as this simple style of gardening; for wlio has not noticed that where flowers reign, grace of mind and manner soon follow. One of the advantages of Window Gardening is its sj/«jj?icj7^, open to every one and impossible to none. Thousands of persons confined to their homes for the greater part of their life have no greater rural estate than that which the Window Garden affords. To watch the unfolding leaves and budding flowers, the development of branch after branch, is a study of the reality of plant-life, exquisitel}' interesting to the soul who And* in it its only world of pleasure and sentiment. It is a form of gardening too, o( permanent use and value. The Window Gar- den is independent to a large degree of the varying seasons, for it can be made attractive every month in the year. The advent of Spring, Summer and Autumn, only render the plants of the Window Garden more luxuriant and make the flow- ers more brilliant, but they do not die with the tirst frost or cold wind in winter When the prospect without is dreary, we can still look to our fern-cases or window-boxes or harigVng-baskets and behold in them objects of increased admi- rfition, because they are so charming in their contrast with the desolateness with out, and are genial remembrances of greener days gone by. The universal popularity of Window Gardens, whether large or small, simple or elaborate, is the evidence of a growing taste for flowers and ornamental planta m all circles of society. We have only to notice in all our large cities, towns and -iUages, how frequent window decorations have become, sometimes seeming as if not a single house was without them in many of our most fashionable avenues. Ip European cities the citizens indulge even more extensively and passionately in theii plant pleasures than we do ; every home is decorated from the wo- Kingman's svindow, and its few flower-pots of balsams, to the fernery and tilejard'aieresof tho iristocratic mansioa Li)irary ^ N". C. State ColltgO' 6 WnXDOW GARDENING In Brussels, says M Victor Paquet, " the balconies are turned into greenhouses and miniature stoves, gay with the brightest and greenest foliage. And in Paris chere are many contrivances in use by means of which the rarest and most ocautiful plants are produced. Passifloras cling to columns in the upper tloors; water plants start into blossom in tiny basins curiously contrived in solid brick- work, and limpid water flows down a miniature rockery from whose crevice.s start up ferns and lycopodiums." The rooms of the Parisian are gay with flowers replaced freshly every day, and in the denser parts of London, black with its smoky atmosphere, may be found some of the choicest of plant-cases. An English writer visiting such a locality once was ushered into a room where the darkness was almost felt, but every window was occupied with a plant-case in which plants were growing in an astonishing manner. Ferns of the greenest and fresliest hue, orchids never surpassed, were there in redolent health and vigor. He was told to his great surprise that the cases were hermetically sealed, and that no water had been ad- ministered for months There is a never-faiiing charm, too, in the outside decorations of the house or "Window Gaiden. The trelli.s-work of the balcony may be made ornamental with green foli.age and its homeliness tastefully hidden The ivy will cover the un- painted wall and make it still more anistic. The verandah can be soon covered with the most luxuriant of profuse blooming creepers. Unsightly objects, bare gardens, and plain fences can all be relieved. In fact no home is devoid of the means of tasteful decoration. And so many and easy are the forms of window embellishments at the present day, that we know of no better device for increas- ing the elegancies and attractions of indoor life. Window Gardens, too, ar^ educators of taste. In our large cities it is noticeable that the fair occupants of the wealthier homes are themselves practicalh"- inter- ested in window ornament. It is quite the fashion for their own hands to flU with pretty plants, of their own arrangement, jardinieres of costly tile, or else place them in baskets of rustic yet most artistic make After a little time wher they have grown to appropriate height, or the drooping plants have attained suffi- cient length, the full beauty of the Window Garden is apparent. Visitors are entranced with their wondrous beauty and are free with their exclamations of delight. The passer-by on the sidewalk stops for a moment to look lovingly upon the cozy bower of bloom just inside the glazed window pane. When pass- ing away, he still keeps it in mind, and long afterwards cherishes the me.r.ory of this artistic beauty spot. Flowers and plants, by their beauty and fragrance, are always in harmony with rich and costly furniture, pictures or statuary. A simple flower stand near the window, a hanging basket over head, all shedding their perfume, add day by day brightness to the other genialities of the home; and all through the wintry months, furnish food for pleasant thoughts; a single [)!ant of the Ivy trained on the wall, or festooned over the window, ia a joy to all beholders WINDOW GARDENING. J Flowers, plants too, often supply the place of children in bereaved homes ; for their soul-refreshing, heart-inspiring, and eye-brightening influences, are joys to wean the thoughts from pain or soriow. Some mother perhaps cherishes fondlv in her home a few beautiful Fuchsias placed on a stand upon the window sill She never tires of looicing upon their graceful shapes, or the briglitly colored jewel blossoms drooping downwards, for they remind her of the delight they once gave her little child before it went to its angel home The value to her of these treasures, with their brilliant colors and snowy waxen petals, rose-colored or purple corollas, cannot be measured with the ordmary expression of language Among the most gratifying signs of florai taste, is the evidence of their intro- duction into school rooms. The teacher is perhaps fond of them and knows their influence. Their very delicacy, forbidding rougn handling, serves to impose a wholesome restraint upon the children ; if ever they are tired with their study, a few glances at the windowsill, and us pots of bloom, wreathe their faces with genial smiles, and they go to work again with willing hearts and refreshed thoughts. The curiosity of children, too, is proverbial, and many a girl learns more of nature froui the living .specimens before her, than from the dry details of her book of botany Not less important can we consider flowers and plants, as the best and most prncUcal edncatom oniealthij sentiment. They are al vra^'S suggestive of purity and refinement. Nothing is so conducive to cheerfulne.ss, or creates efforts to make home attractive, like their presence in the household. Constant associa- tions with such objects of floral beauty, fits people to rank high as useful mem- bers of society. A floral writer has already expressed these sentiments in a most charming manner . " They are a spring of sunshine, a constant pleasure. We would have flowers in every home, for their sunny light, for their cheerful teachings, for their insen- sibly ennobling influence." As an amusement for the invalid, Window Gardening through the form of plant cases, is very appropriate. We call to mind an instance of one compelled in consequence of a bodily infirmity, to take up a residence in the city. lie had enjoyed for a long time in the country the pleasures of the green-house, and endeavored whilst in the city to replace it once more. A small but inexpen- sive three light green-house was erected in the back yard, open, airy. There he gratified his taste for floricultural subjects by gathering together an interesting collection of valuable ferns and orchids. In an upper room was arranged a capa- cious feni case, and there the invalid would spend many days during the win- ter recumbent upon the sofa dilating upon the pleasures of being able to watch the growth of a vigorous intertwining mass of curious forms of foreign ferns, many of them j)roductions from distant portions of the globe, New Zealand, India, Mexico, Japan In our country homes, how common to see the plant stand before the window witli its dozen or so oots of Geraniums, Primroses, Azaleas, &c., while an inva 8 WINDOW GARDENING. lid sister or mother reclines in the easy chair, watching it for hours with delight, unmindful of the snow driving past the window pane. The refining influence of the flowers is no where more apparent than in our Jixmble cottage homes ; for there it is the young maiden cherishes her few pet flowers, with a deeper affection and truer love than even the skilled gardener. Tnere is something so attractive in their very looks that none can resist their street and winning influence. Perhaps it may be because so few are disappointed in ihem, or expect them to yield a measured commercial profit. So no one's enthusiasm is gauged by dollars and cents. Tn some of the strangest of conditions, there is often the most delightful dis play of floral bloom ; the prairie log cabin may often contain a flourishing win dow garden, with as choice specimens as that of the rich amateur. Few are so poor but they can find room for a few boxes and pots to grow plants and beguile the long winter hours. They should be in the window of every sit- ting room, in every school-house, that children, as well as parents, may be educa- ted to the appreciation of their beauties, and their taste more readily cultivated and encouraged. The effects of window gardening become more clearly seen each succeeding year. Many who have not the slightest idea of how a plant grows will obtain from the florist a simple basket of Ivy. Once living, it needs little further atten- tion ; yet the eye of the proprietor often wanders upward to it, and as the tendrils reach out, twining around the basket, upward or downward, his senses are gradually interested, and in time other plants follow, who in turn are studied. These tempt others, mere visitors, to try the same experiment, and so the con- tagious enthusiasm for flowers steadily spreads. In every state the love for flowers and plants is on the increase. The* business of our florists is three times larger than five years ago. Our cottagers are devoting more time to the ornamen- tation of door yards with these floral gems, and the window sill of many a cot has its sugar bowl or cracked tea pot, doing duty for a flower pot, while we have often seen the discarded fruit can, in some wayside ranchman's cabin in the inte- rior of the Rocky Mountains, blooming with balsams or portulacca. All classes respond to but one sentiment, " Flowers, Give us Flowers." Beside the delights of window gardening in opening new resources of amuse- ment, recreation and instruction, which nothing else can give to the home circle, is the added advantage that it is easy; but very little time is required for their culture. Some window gardens are elaborate, expensive, and are suited only for those of scientific taste, but by far the most successful are those in our every lay homes, with the simplest of flowering plants. There are many more easy plana for house gardening than difficult ones. The little physical exercise needed, is a relief to mental pursuits, and a variety to domestic duties, while the daily growth of each plant and flower, which constitutes the chief delight of the young flo- rist, and the beauty and elegance of his little garden, form a crowning gratifica- tion for his well spent hours, and stimulate an honest and desirable pride. In some of tne poorest quarters of London there may be found at any time hand- WliXn IF GARDENING 9 somer Balsams than any professional ever raised, while some of the finest new Chrysanthemums ever produced it is said have originated in the window garden of some of these humble citizens. A quaint old English writer calls this form of home pleasure, " Fenestral Gar. dening," (^Hortus Fenesti-alis) expressive of the decoration of rooms with green drapery from the garden. Many are deterred from the commencement of a window garden, or the care for cases of plants, on account of the supposed trouble. There are really but few requisites to success. If any are ignorant of the plants or their proper arrangement, read these pages and learn how many simple forms may be adopted to make every house garden alive with plant beauty, and yet require only a half hour per day. A hanging basket or two, a window box or row of bulb glasses, a wardian case or fernery, all are easy. Once set, they need little care. In the other departments of propagation and culture, a little time, patience, and, best of all, trials of experience, will soon render the knowledge easily acquired. To have some few choice, fragrant, beautiful flowers in mid winter when there is no green thing in sight, save the dense evergreen of the forest, or the garden hedge of spruce, prompts many to an assiduous care, and a hearty devotion to Buch plant treasures. Yet the recompense is worth the labor. The matchless beauty which nature once bestowed on the gardens without, is now restored and perpetuated within ; and to many a fair finger deftly handling the tender plant, the exquisite embroidery of the leaf, or coloring of the flower, will form objects for the eye to rest upon with unwearied delight. WLXnOW GARDEyiNO. Pig i.- Ltc«i({u toi Window Uarden- CHA.r>TE:R II. Construction, Location and Designs foi: Window Gardens. The Window Gardener has choice of a great number of designs for the gratifica- tion of his taste. Tl)e Window Box of Evergreens, Ferns, or Ornamental Plants; (he Jardiniere, the Hanging Basket, the row of Bnlbglasses, the Plant Cabinet, the Fernery, Wardian Case or Conservatory, may all be his : while Flower Stands, Etagere and Mantel Piece Gardens, and other floral elegancies, are of great variety and tasteful constructien. Notiiing, however, has so decided an effect as broad leaved plants in the window sill. Our engraving opposite (Fig. 2) is a sketch of a library window, about 3 feet wide, and 6 high, with book shelves on either side, and a closet below for pani- plilets. The window sill is made of extra width, say 14 inches. Here is placed a simple tray of about 3 inclies in depth, made to lit the sill exactly: the in- terior is coated entirel}"^ with tin and rendered proof against leakage. Tlie tray is filled with fresh mould from the woods, and then the plants are put in. At eacli end is an English Ivj'^, and the spaces between are filled with native hardy ferns, which usually are found out doors near our woods, remaining green down to the coldest winds and frosts of Autumn. If the front of the box is too plain it may be decorated with a few acorns, and strips of chestnut. About midway up the window is thrown across a miniature rustic bridge, upon whicli is still another but narrower tray, with ligliter and more delicate ferns, such as the maiden's hair. This rustic bridge may be decorated with a lat- tice of the bright red dogwood, mingled with the white shoots of the linden. On the top of the window, as a cornice, some rustic branch from one of our wild forest trees, may be selected, twisted and crooked ] yet affording numerous brack- ets for climbing plants to rest upon. Upon this moss-covered bark the Ivy of the lower box is expected soon to grow up to and crawl over, throwing its ten- drils righ* - .'left, and filling it full with green foli.age. A little hanging bas- ket from the rustic archway, fills out the uniqueness of the picture, and the landscape view beyond is in a measure enhanced by the agrecableness of the standpoint from which we view it. In some of the finer parts of London, where Window Gardens are dressed in highest elegance, there is a very popular form of Window Garden, consisting of a glass case, projecting beyond the window sashes, somewhat like a little glasg bow-window. (Fig 3, 4.) These are made in every style, with rustic work in front, or of an architectural character to harmonize with the style of the building 12 WiyDOW GARDEmNG The sills, too, are made broad, and thus afford peculiar conveniences for their safe position. Wealthy citizens who return from the country at close of the summer find these glass gardens ready filled, and charmingly arrayed with ferns, ever- greens and flowering plants, which will last throughout the entire winter. In the Bpring time these give place to Roses, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and a variety of other plants suitable for each season. They are exceedingly simple, and besides , affording a world of gratification to the inmates of the house they are a great addition to the exterior ornaments of the building. They are not common in this country, and it would be quite an object for some dealer in horticultural elegancies here to make a specialty of them, for as soon as known they will be greatly in de- mand. The construction is as follows • The lower window sash, is omitted entirely, and the glass case inserted in its place, is of sufficient height to reach to the upper sash. The base should be of one stout slab of slate, resting upon the lower win- dow sill, and extending outward from 1 foot to 2 feet, and the same distance m- ward. If the window is large, 2 feet each side of the sash will not be too large. An iron frame is then cast of just sufficient length and width to set upon the slab, TT/xVZ) W GA RDENING. 13 which may be fastened firmly to it. The glass sides are fitted into the frame be- forehand, which is curved at the top, and a tray inside filled with soil holds the plants. In many cases the plant case is double, (i. e.,) the lower window sash is not removed at all, but shuts down upon the slab of slate, and the plant case is divided into two parts, each rising and curving upward to the window. Such cases can be made by any manufacturer of glassware and metal casting, but should be well and tightly fitted ; as, also, very thick glass should be used as a protection against the weather. For the purposes of examination and cleaning or handling ""teiiii the plants, a glass slide or door can be provided in the side within the room. These designs will be found most suitable in our changeable climate for mild weather only, as we fear they would not afford sufficient protection against cold. To some the objection might occur that they hide the view of the street from the interior, but this, with others, might be just the desideratum wished for; yet it will bo found in time that it excludes light and air to a considerable degree. Another item must be provided for. Water must necessarily be used for the plants, and there should be a place of escape. The box for holding the soil should be from 4 to 6 inches deep, and the bottom must be covered with broken pieces of charcoal 14 WIND W GA R DENTIN U or bricks about tbe size of walnuts, then a sprinkling of sand and other pieces of brick bioken still smaller to about the size of a pea sliould be mixed with peat, and with this compost the box may be filled up. Cases of this kind are usually found in London, already prepared with plants, only needing the proper dimen- sions to be soon fitted to any window. The best plants for these cases are ferns, which require but ordinary attention. and tlie cultivator will also observe not to phi.ce them in a southern window ; a Fig. 5, northern or western one will be much better for they need little or no heat. As these cases cannot be heated, so no plants should be placed in there which require artificial warmth. A very pretty design has been originated by a German gardener of a combined window case aquarium and fernery. (Fig. 5.) This occupies the window from tne sill to top of the upper sash The tank within contains slate slabs of consider- able height, say one-third of the whole window on the outside of the case, the inner side nearest the room benig of glass to afford a view of the interior. This slab is necessary to avoid the effect of the sun's rays which, when passing through WI^^DOW GARDENING. li, a globe or aquarium of water, concentrate upon the floor and burn the carpet Specimens of rock work are introduced at the sides or in the rear of the casej on their top are placed some pots coutauiing ferns drooping over and covering the vacancies all up. If conveniences are at hand a little fountain maj"- be introduced, and be constantly throwing up its tiny streams of water. All this requires great pains of preparation. Tlie window completely shuts out the street view and is lighted only from the top, yet is a great curiosity and with some will be worth the trouble For planting in such cases as the two just described, the best plants will be the common English Ivy, (^Hedcra helix,) which thrives in confined places of thia description and rapidly throws up its green foliage. The L>/godium scandens and Lyoodium flaponicum a.'-*''\o\-f\y cliinV)iiiTIi:]R III. General Management of Window Gardens. In-door plants natuially require more care than those grown in the open air, fornature supplies all the needs of the latter; but the secrets of successful growth and profuse blooming in the house are enumerated in the following few essential rules of management : 1st. Give them plenty of light during the day, and darkness with a cooler temperature at night. 2d. A good supply of fresh air, when the sun shines brightest and warmest; in mild days the upper sashes may be lowered a little, and the cool air will blow over the plants instead of directly upon them. 3d. Perfect cleanliness, which is very important, for if the plants are covered with dust, they cannot grow, and will frequently die; their leaves are their lungs; frequent syringing will keep the leaves moist and clean. 4th. A proper amount of moisture ; a dry atmosphere is fatal 5th. A good compost or soil, in which their roots can luxuriate and send forth vigorous branches, leaves and flowers. 6th. Get good healthy plants to start out with ; plants that have been bloom ing all through the summer, or for several months previous will not do well , new ones are best, or plants that were used the previous winter, and have rested during the summer, will also answer, but in general it is best to get new plants 7th. Keep only a few plants ; too many in the window will make close crowd- ing; pots should never be set two or three deep on top of each other. 8th. A uniform temperature of 60° to 70° in the day time and 40° to 45° in the night, should be steadily mantained. 9th. Different places should be provided for different plants. A sunny win- dow with a temperature of 45° to 50,° will suit roses, geraniums, &c., best ; Bego- nias, Coleus, Cissus discolor, want a still warmer place of 60° to 70°, and yet but little or no sun light directly upon them. On the other hand. Heliotropes, and Bouvardias want all the sun possible, with a temperature in the daytime of 60° to 75°. Sunlight. Plenty of sunlight is the gardener's first requisite. If the location for this pur- pose is not right, the plants will not be healthy. If the plants are well placed in ft good light, then the pots must be turned occasionally so that all sides may receive it equally. It will be well also to put flower stands or racks of pots on 24 WINDOW GABDENIXQ •wheels, so that the whole maybe changed at once, or whesled away, if the room Deeds cleaning. Care must be taken to avoid rapid transition from darkness to the light, for sudden and violent changes are as trying to plant life as human life Too much warmth will destroy tender leaves nearly as soon as too much cold. Then again, plants should be placed as near the light as possible; in rooms far away from the glass window, the plants will be weak, pale and of spindling growth. If they could receive light directly from overhead, they would be bet- ter than from the side. The ordinary variations of day and night have their corresponding effects on plants, since it is said that they inhale under the influ- ences of light, and respire in the dark. The glass of the window should also be rubbed or washed clean. The most gaily colored flowers will be produced at a south window, but a north window has its advantage, in that it may be used for plants already in bloom, and will keep them much longer in perfection. For north windows, Camelias, Cytisuses, Primulas and Alpine Auriculas, will find the cool moisture they need, and will bloom in great beauty if properly attended to and kept from frost. Bulbs, if placed in the sunlight, will have their brilliancy of color greatly enhanced, yet if not changed occasionally in position, their flower stems will bend over and have an unsightly appearance. Tempei'ature. The greatest success will be found to come from a uniform temperature of 45 or 50° at night, and 60 to 75° in the day time ; 80° is too hot except for only some plants of semi-tropical character. Under no circumstances should the tempera- ture go below 35°. If your living rooms, where your plants are placed must be considerably warmer than this in the former part of the night, then set the plants on the floor, shade from the light until the time of retiring, and then return them to tHe window sill or flower stand. Perhaps from no other cause than this, too great heat, during the day and long continued at night, our city grown plants grow so sickly and lanky in appaarance. Once or twice a week will be suffi- cient for turning pots around. If this little item is not attended to, you cannot grow finely formed plants, and more than half their beauty depends upon their shape. If a closet or small room opening out of the sitting room can be devoted to plants and yet be well lighted, they will flourish far better than in the com- mon room, for they can have a cooler atmosphere and less dust. The same object could however be accomplished in a far more tasteful manner by enclosing the window recess with another glass window or partition. The outside glass protects the plants from the cold, the inside ones from undue heat and gas, while between the two there is a happy mean in which plant culture can- not fail to be successful. If however this is not done, and the window panes are made of double glass there will be little danger of their freezing on a cold night. It would be well to have one pane fitted with a hinge, which can be opened to air the plants. But to avoid this a heavy curtain can be placed at the window, and pulled down at night, to protect from cold air, while newspapers may be pinned around the plants to protect them from the bright light of the evening. The wixDow GARDE my a 25 amateur must also study the characteristics of his plants, for one temperature ■will not answer for all. The Rose needs a cool atmosphere, yet moderately moist. The Fuschia is fond of both warmth and moisture, but needs occasional shading when the sun is too hot. The Coleus prefers plenty of heat and moisture, and would be satisfied never to have the thermometer go below 70° by night or day. The Geranium seems to accommodate itself to all circumstances, being the most easily grown of all window plants, and apparently needs only plenty of light and air, and average warmth * Plants at night. Plants need rest. Uniform darkness at night with lower temperature, is one of the conditions of treatment, but sometimes there may be a sudden change of temperature in the outer air, and in consequence thereof some one or more plants of the window garden may be frozen. Di> not throw them away, but cut the branches back as far as frozen, or near to the soil, then water slightly and do not let the plant get quite as warm as before ; if it has any life it will soon show buds and branches. Plants should bo treated very much like human beings; a frosted finger should be warmed gradually, so should a frozen plant. Some plants if frosted, like Fuschias, will sprout from the roots and make a strong growth ; others will send out strong, healthy flowering branches from the stem near the roots. A very simple plan to restore frosted plants is to transfer them at once to a dark cellar and shower them plentifully with water; keep them here two or three weeks and they will gradually recover their health again. Another point is often discussed, whether plants are injurious in rooms at night. We think it unwise to have too many in a room ; a few here and there are of little influence. Strong scented plants are injurious to have in the room at night. The Tuberose, Hyacinth and Jessamine, &c., are too sweet to be allowed to remain in a bedroom at night, and should not be patronized for this purpose by invalids. The sensations of the individual are often a good guide. After sleeping in a room with plants, the morning finds the sleeper inactive, feeling as if his night's rest had been heavy, the air of the room also does not seem pure, and the perfume peculiar. All the indications are sufficient to show the air is vitiated, and fresh air is needed as much by the individual as the plant. Fresh Air. Ventilation is absolutely necessarj' ; therefore give it. "Whenever the weather is mild open the window. Too little fresh air and too much warmth are formidable obstacles to success in house gardening. Plants that are kept shut up in warm rooms become very sensitive and are far more liable to suffer from a sudden fall in the temperature ; but if they are frequently exposed to the fresh air they ar^ better able to bear these changes ot climate which often occur so unexpectedly. Those who live in close heated rooms can never make their flowers bloom in winter with any vigor. Some think that any atmosphere not inconvenient to men and women is good enough for the plant. It will live just as the human being lives, but it does so in sufferance rather, for it will not grow and bloom 26 WINDOW GARDENING. in perfect beauty. A very few handsome flowering vines are rauch to be prefer- red to spindling plants , pictures of misery, like their owners, overheated and crowded into close unhealthy un ventilated quarters. In our fever to provide sufli- cient warmth in our rooms against the cold, we stop up every crack in our win- dows, every crevice of our doors ; then with furnaces, grates or stoves at almost fever heat we get warmth enough to bid defiance to the chilling atmosphere. Rarely are we satisfied with a temperature in the room of less than 75°, and this must be constantly maintained from early morning till late at night. A draught i of fresh air would quicken your blood and put a little more Spirit into your coun- \ tenances; still you aim to avoid it. Yet for the sake of your plants do it at least once a day. Throw open the doors and air the room thoroughly. This can be done at time for meals when it is usually vacant. The windows should not bo opened directly upon the plants. Some other window or door away from the plants may be opened. It should be done also at the middle of the day when the outer air is mildest. Cleanliness. Here close attention is again required. Plants require regular care. They cannot be watered and cared for once a week and the rest of the time left to them- selves, but they demand a daily amount of time to be spent upon them. Every morning when house cleaning is in order, the plants must be watered and cleaned. You will see how necessary this is, if you look at the nature of the plants, how they live. Like our skins, the leaves of plants are perforated with hundreds of minute pores through which they breathe, exhaling oxygen and inhaling carbon, and also giving out and inhaling moisture. If these pores are filled up with dust the plant cannot perform these functions and its life either ceases or stands still ; it is not possible for it to grow or bloom. The dust of our living rooms is very injurious to the health of every plant. Unless it is removed, you may as well give up all hope of making your window favorites succeed. Frequent washing and watering are absolutely essential. For close handling of leaves, a soft sponge is of great service, for it can be used in the parlor without danger of dripping from the watering-pot. Wash each leaf separately and see that both sides of it are clean. To shower a plant turn it sideways over a tub of water or a sink ; sprinkle it thoroughly with the watering-pot. If the plants are too large to handle in this manner set the pots or tubs into a larger one and either sprinkle or syringe every branch and leaf. You must improvise summer showers if you would induce summer growth. It is not enough to water the earth in the pot. The whole plant requires it. Frequent waterings are the most beneficial culture that you can bestow upon your plants. To be sure they are not easily given and will entail upon you some work. When sweeping and dusting your rooms, throw newspapers or a light cloth over them ; this will prevent the dust from settling upon the leaves, and help materially toward keeping them clean. Whenever a warm ram falls, and the temperature stands at 50° or 55,"* set all the plants out of doors, and they will be greatly refreshed and strengthened. It does not follow, however, that the whole plant is watered by being thus placed 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 28 WINBOW GARDFyiNG tissues, grow in the dryest places. The Cacti often supply moisture to the wila cattle of the plains of Mexico ; the animals break through their thorny exteriors with their hoofs, and then eat the moist morsels contained within, which quench their thirst "Water, cold from the well or pump, is not suitable for plants, unless of a tern nerature of 00°. Rain water is best, for this is supposed to contain some little ammonia from the sky. The best rule in all cases is to use water warm to the hands. Some florists advise water no colder than the atmosphere. We believe it generally best to use it warmer. In cool mornings it should be lukewarm, say not under 55°. Some cultivators say they have used hot water for sickly plants heated to a tempera- ture from 200° to 250°, •and have believed this to be the cause of their subse- quent luxuriant growth and production of flowers of the greatest beauty ; but trials like this are not to be encouraged, and warm water of 75° to 150°, will do just as well and have far less danger from scalding. Over 150° is neither neces- sary nor safe. A lady is said to have once watered her plants with the tea that re- mained in her pot after the breakfast was finished. Iler plants grew in wonder- ful beauty and luxuriance, and she attributes it to the magic effects of the tea; yet she has forgotten it was better due to the warmth of the water than any fan- cied virtue. Some plants demand more water than others. Fuchsias, for instance, while in bloom often require water both morning and evening, and nearly all plants desire more when in flower than at any other time. The supply of water must be regulated according to the demand of the plants. Calla Lilies will absorb water two or three times as quickly as any other plant of the "Window Garden. If rainwater cannot be easily obtained and hard water is the only source at hand, add a little soda to it and let it stand for a while ; use a small piece, say a small nugget of the size of a pea, to every gallon ; on that pour about a pint of boiling water and then fill it up with cold water. It will be quite warm, and a thorough drenching overhead and in the pots will vastly improve their color and health. A drop or two of hartshorn will also correct hard water somewhat. In watering, never wet merely the surface, but moisten the whole ball of earth in the pot. If the ball should yet be very dry set the whole pot in a pail of warm water till it is soaked through. The morning is the best time of the day for watering. A com- mon hand-brush made of broomcorn dipped into warm water and shaken over the plants will imitate a summer shower, but its tiny drops may spatter against the window glass. A toy watering-pot, such as is used for children, is very use- ful for "Window Gardening. If oil cloth IS laid under the stand it can be used without much if any injury to the car- pet or furniture. Care should be taken that the pots have good drainage, for then all surplus water will run iuto the Fig.: WI^^DO\V GARDENI2^'G. 29 saucer, which may be emptied as fast as filled. In warm mild weather when plants absorb a great deal of moisture it will do no harm to leave a little in the saucer. Among other details to be observed in watering, the following items of caution are to be observed : Some plants should never be wetted on the leaves. Take the Begonia Rex, whose foliage, so large and grand, has an exquisite coloring; if its leaves were to be sponged with cold water, and the plant left out on the balcony or open air, it would probabl}' die very soon ; but a Camelia can be treated the same way and not be injured in the slightest. The reasons for it are good. The last plant has a hard shiny leaf, which can resist rough treatment ; but the other has a succulent tender leaf easily affected. The novice then may generally find it true that plants with soft porous and hairy icaves should be very cautiously wet- ted overhead, but plants with hard varnished leaves may be watered frequently. Tepid water should be invariably used even down to the height of summer. If plants get infested with vermin, a sponging with soap and water made into a lather, will clear them. Then follow with clear water to remove the soap. It is also a good rule to observe that the colder the weather the less water must be given ; and when plants are at rest, done growing, they need very little indeed Plants in cases may be watered once a week, for evaporation there is confined, but in open rooms once a day is suflicient. Some plants, who delight in very moist situations, need it twice a day. Never water when the sun is hot. If the soil of the pot gets too hard, loosen it a little with a fork, or plunge it into a tub of water. Take pains to have good drainage, and beyond this little trouble will be experienced. The Pliilosophy of Watering is worth studying. Plants are constantly throwing off or evaporating moisture from their leaves, and at the same time the roots must be taking up an equal sup- ply. If then on examining the soil in a flower-pot, you discover that it is moist for an unusually long time, you may be sure that something is wrong, either the roots do not take it up readily, or drainage is imperfect. Healthy plant action needs, .ir as well as moisture. A soggy soil excludes air, and, as a result, our plants soon show drooping leaves and unhealthy branches. Drainage is to plants what digestion is to the human system, keeping everj'thing in perfect action. Water and air enjoy a healthy circulation unimpeded, and plants which are growing freely and vigorously, with strong roots, will take up the moisture of the pots regularly. Mr. Meehan, who has studied plant physiology more thor- oughly than any other American, sums up this subject in the following concise paragraph : " A wet soil IS totally unfit for plant growing. A plant standing 24 hours in water is irreparably injured. A Hyacinth, to be sure, will live one season in water; but all the matter of the flower which goes to water is prepared the year before, and after flowering, the bulb is exhausted and almost worthless. "A good soil for plant growing, therefore, is not one which will hold water, but one in which water will pass away. 30 WINDOW OARDENINO " The soil itself is composed of minute particles, through which air spaces abound. The water must be just enough to keep these particles moist, and the air in the spaces is thus kept in the condition of moist air. The roots traverse these air spaces, and it is, therefore, moist air which roots want, and not water. " If it were water simply which plants wanted, we should cork up the bottom of the hole in the flower pot, and prevent the water getting away. Instead of this, we try to hasten the passing of the water through as much as possible, by not only keeping the hole clear, but often by putting broken pieces in the bottom to hasten the drainage. A plant will generally be the healthiest, therefore, which wants water the oftenest. If it does not want water, it is in a bad way. And more water will make the matter worse. " How often to water them, will be according to how easy the water passes away. If, when you pour water on earth it disappears almost instantly, it would be safe to water such plants every day. " The constant aim of the cultivator should be to keep the soil of such a con- sistence that a moist atmosphere shall always be present in the air spaces exist- ing through it. Moisture of the Atmosphere. The atmosphere of our houses, as we have intimated before, is not only too dry for successful plant culture, but it breeds insects of various kinds which will injure their growth. We have noticed that plants kept in kitchen windows where the air is charged with moist vapors from the boiling of water over the stove or range, and where the outside doors are frequently opened, and fresh air supplied, will often develop into surprising luxuriance and beauty. We can call to mind even now a farm kitchen in the coldest portion of our most northern states, where Roses, Carnations and Verbenas, grow finely, and are covered with a sum- mery profusion of buds and flowers. These are usually the most difiBcuU plants e given too strong, but about the color of weak tea. The bucket can stay filled up with water for six weeks or two months as it is needed, then throw away its contents and begin again. Guano water, a decoction of Peruvian guano, makes a good stimulant. Tt should be applied once a week to tlie roots, taking care not to touch the leaves with it. To one gallon of hot water, add one large tablespoonful of guano ; stir until it is dissolved. Hen manure may be substituted and used in about the same quantity. When used carefully, either are excellent, and give the plants a bright, vigorous green. Ammonia water Ri\m\i\a.le!i growth very satisfactorily. Dissolve 4 ounce of pulverized ammonia in a gallon of water, and it will prove more grateful to the plants even than rain water which also con tains ammonia. A teaspoonful of aqua ammonia added to a gallon of warm water will be of same efficacy. Flour of hone, when it can he obtained in the form of powder, easily soluble in water, is still more suitable, for it contains other elements of plant nutrition. Used in moderate quantities, not over a tablespoonful to a gallon of warm water, it will give the plants a healthy impetus ; give a sufficient quantity to wet the whole ball of earth and pour off the surplus water that runs into the saucer. A special fertilizer used to advantage by some, is composed as follows : take of sulphate of ammonia four ounces, nitrate of potash two ounces, white sugar one ounce, add one pint of hot water; when dissolved, cork tightly and add a teaspoonful 34 n/.XIWn- GARDtCiXI^O. to every gallon of water used for watering; six or eight drops of this liquid cah be poured into the water of a hyacinth glass, and the flowers will be much finer All these special stimulants must be used with caution, be well diluted, applied not oftener than once a week and once in three weeks will be sufficient for the hyacinth. rinching Plants should be kept in good shape by pinching off their shoots from time to time, so as to avoid an outward spindling appearance, straggling branches can never be handsome; but if their shoots are nipped or pmched in every month or so, they will grow bushy and have many more blossoms and leaves. Fig 16 Fig. 16. shows a good pruning scissors Fuchsias and Pelargoniums are generally stopped once or twice before they flower. When the shoots have grown about three leaves their ends are pinched out; this gives tliree or four shoots instead of one, and increases the proportion of blossoms, but keeps the plant dwarf The training of piants is aiso a matter of taste, usually the form of a half circle is most preferred. Fuchsias trained to single stakes and allowed to droop down are natural objects of beauty Every gardener has his fancy. Nothing is so pleas- ing as to see a rose trained to stakes in pots bent completely back to the pot, in the shape of a semi-circle — every branch covered with buds just ready to bloom. General Suggestion/t. 1. AH plants have a season of rest ; therefore discover what season is peculiar to each, and transplant at that time. 2. The best time for taking cuttings is when the plants are in their most active state of growth, and this is be- fore flowering. 3. Profuse bloomings exhaust the strength of plants, there- fore cut off all flower buds as soon as their petals fall, and do not let the .seed pods mature unless you desire to raise seeds. 4. All bulbs and tubers should be planted before they begin to shoot; if suffered to form leaves and roots in the air, they waste their strength. 5. Never remove the leaves from bulbs after flowering until they are quite dead. As long as the leaves retain life they are emplo)'ed in preparing nourishment and transmitting it to the roots. 6. Window WmDOW OARDENINO 35 plants are more liable to be injured by fi-ost than plants in the ground, because the fibres of the roots cling to the sides of the pots and are more quickly afiected by the chilling air. 7. The faster a plant grows, the farther apart are the leaves, the more distant the side branches, and the more bare appears the stem. Richness of foliage can never be attained when leaves become thus scattered. By keeping a lower temperature, especially at night, there will be a slower and more desirable growth, and conducive to compactness of habit in plants. 8. No plants can bear sudden contrasts of temperature without injury, therefore bring nothing directly from a heated room to the cool open air 9. By checking the growth of leaves and branches you throw more strength into the flowers; this is why the terminal shoots of many plants should be pinched oflFto increase their vigor. 10 Avoid excessive heat. Plants often languish in a hot temperature while their owners cannot imagine why they do not grow, forgetting that the at- mosphere is already too warm for even human beings. Suggestions like these will show that although Window Gardens require some skill and experience in good management, yet there is nothing abstruse or difficult to pi-event any one from undertaking the care of one which needs only a reasonable degree of thought ftud attention t*^ make it a constant delight. OH^FTEIl IV. 3i?ii;ciAL Care of Window Gardens. In Winter The beauties of the flower garden are gone, and we are now left to solasa ourselves with any green thing we can coax by artificial help to grow and bloom during the long winter months, till spring returns again. Naturally enough we hate to lose the sight of the flowers, and graceful flutter of the green leaves, so we strive to prolong our joy, as far as possible, under many difficulties through unsuitable seasons. During the winter seasons Che chief requisites of success, are plenty of sun- shine, an atmosphere not too dry or close, a mild uniform temperature, and especial attention to cleanliness, watering and daily care. Plants which receive only a few moments of attention a day and then forgot- ten, soon become a disgrace, and the window garden becomes a nuisance. In the open ground plants will flourish if left to themselves, but when grown in a pot, they are under artificial restraints and conditions, and must become an object of constant attention. This very necessity of the case renders window gardening of so much greater interest than out door gardening. Plants at night should be in the dark, as that is their natural condition so that they may rest, and yet it is equally important that they should be freely ex- posed to the sun as long as light lasts. So, especially in the winter months, when there is comparatively so little sunlight, place them as closely to the windows as they can be well managed, if not, they will become unsightly, drawn and weak. The more light that a plant receives the more freely can it absorb carbon and breathe out oxygen; so if you wish your plants to be purifiers of the air, be sure that they have plenty of light, and keep both blinds and curtains from obstructing it. The necessity for air in the winter is no less imperative than the demand for light. In order to cultivate Geraniums successfully, a constant supply of fresh air is very needful. Roses, Verbenas, and indeed all plants demand it. When plants are first brought into the house they should not be stimulated, but allowed a little time to become accustomed to their new quarters ; and they will often wither a little from the want of fresh air, so let the windows be open all day, if it is sunny, and accustom them by degrees to the change of temperature. It is not desirable to allow them to remain out too late in the season, but they should be housed before any danger of frost arises ; a slight chill will frequently WINDOW GARDENING 37 injure them gieaily, especially the Coleus, and all sub tropical plants unused to our cold autumn winds. They can be placed on a protected piazza, and covered at night with some mats or sheets, but the true lover of house plants does not feel at ease until all her pels are standing in their winter quarters ; then the cold chilly winds may blow, and Jack Frost's icy fingers pinch with blackening touches all that they can reacli; the household flowers arc safe beyond his dreaded touch. Do not crowd your plant stands or windows, give to each plant room to stretcli forth its branches and leaves, if you would have it bloom in vigor and beauty; untidy straggling plants are always detestable. Every dead leaf must be removed and every fading flower, and the leaf must not remain in the pots, but be taken away; cleanliness is so important that no damp leaves or decaying flowers should be left. Window plants suffer chiefly in the winter months from indiscriminate waterings, allowing them to go dry for two or three days and then soaking them for a week. Many a lady cannot imagine why her plants do not grow and bloom as luxuriantly as at her opposite neighbor's. But it is the lack of daily atttention that makes the difference. One lady buys her plants because it is the fashion to have tliem in the windows; the other loves lier plants as a part of herself, sees in them an individu- ality ; a glimpse perhaps of something beautiful beyond this world's plain reali- ties, and it is not a care for her to attend to their necessities, but rather a privi lege. In the winter time the familiar question is asked over and over again: " How am I to know when my plants need watering.'" Watch them carefully, and they will tell you; wilted leaves, drooping branches, and yellow shades show that they are water-clogged ; they must be allowed a respite. Turn up the soil as heretofore directed, with a stout hairpin, and if it is dry give more water ; if not, abstain from it. Success in window gardening depends greatly in never permitting the plants to suffer from an)' neglect. When you water, give it copiously, and if the next day the plants have enough pass them by ; but there are always some in a window or a stand of plants that desire it, so carry round the watering pot every day, take the time either before or after breakfast, have a special hour, and never forget it. There is more danger of giving too much water during the winter, than in the spring and summer, because the evaporation is much less. In winter there should be no water left in the saucers ; with the exception of . aquatics, who require it A small toy watenng pot such as are sold for children's use, is of the greatest assistance ; it will sprinkle the surface of tiny pots without wetting either stands 01 window glass. A piece of oilcloth is an excellent protection to carpets, and should always be placed under every window and plant stand It is best to select a cloudy day for giving your plants a thorough cleaning, 38 WIA'DOW GARDHNINO thereby imitating nature, as she seldom washes her vegetation with the sud shining upon it. A pail of warm water can be brought into the parlor, and each plant thoroughly wetted in it, the surface of each leaf well moistened, without making any dis- turbance with the arrangement of the room. Plants perspire like human beings, only the amount is seventeen times as great, according to Mr. Hale's computation In the Hydrangea, the minute orifices in the space of an mch, are found to be one hundred thousand. Protection from Frost. During the winter our tender plants are liable to become frost-bitten in spite of every precaution we may take in their behalf. When the mercury out of doors settles to 25° and 30°, some little branches and leaves will droop, and the soil in some pots may become solid in doors. If this happens, all is not lost. Take the blighted plants tenderly, and dip them into cold water, not icy cold, but drawn from hydrant or cistern; then place them in complete darkness where not a ray of light can penetrate, and in three days at the utmost, you will find them fresh as ever, every leaf upright and green, while if they had been left in the light, every leaf would have fallen. Sev- eral times we have had this experience with our plants and have always revived tliem If the pots are set back at night from the windows on a piano or table, they will often escape freezing. If a window opens on to a piazza, the plants can be protected by pinning a thick comforter outside of the window, or tucking it into the blinds. Double windows are highly essential in a cold climate to keep off the intense cold, but they should always have an opening, a pane of glass with a hinge, or some means by which the room can be aired daily ; the weekly cleaning is not often enough to open the windows. Do not forget to shade them from too much light and heat in the early part of the evening. The great secret of success in wmdow gardening, consists in overcoming as much as possible the disadvantages under which the plants labor, and rendering their position and treatment as much as possible like those growing in the open air. Spring Culture of Window Gardens Maich is the first month that treads upon the flowery border of spring ; it is the beginning of the sunny season which shall awake the sleeping bulbs, plants, shrubs, and indeed all vegetation March, April, May and June, are very busy months, for in them we make large additions to our collections of/jlants by propagating new varieties, both by seeds and cuttings. Window gardening. 39 Of course with all your fancy for new things, you will not forget to secure some few pots of good old fashioned flowers. They may be dear to many from only childish associations, liaving proved their value by the many years in which they have been cherished. No true lover despises them The culture in the spring months differs but little from ihat of the winter ; more air can be given, and often the windows can be let down from the top for the whole day. Remember that if the thermometer stands at 55'' and 65° out of doors, and the sun shines brightly, too much fresh air is impossible; but have the windows closed by three o'clock, for by that time a chilly wind often springs up in April, which would prove injurious to many tender plants, in a rapidly growing condition. Later in the season there is no danger. Great attention must be paid to general cleanliness ; now is the season to promote rapid growth, but if the plants cannot breathe freely, they are in a decidedly consumptive state, and must pine away To prolong the blooming of plants, every fading flower, even if it is but -one in a cluster, should be cut away. To keep the tiowers of Azaleas from falling, it is an excellent plan to drop a single drop of gum water underneath the flower^ where it sinks into the calyx; now is the time for their most profuse bloom, and they can be made more orna- mental by this process. No flowers should be left with water standing in their saucers, but if the plants are sunk in boxes or moss, there is no need of using saucers, which are hard to keep clean. Be sure and attend to the weekly washing, it is quite as essential to your plants as to your household cleanliness A small sized brush such as painters use, will be found of great service as it will wash off the tiniest leaf and stem. Water must be given plentifully during the spring months, and it is well to supply it till a few drops ooze out from the bottom of the pot; but don't water while the sun shines full upon the plants. Rain water is always the best for all vegetation. We especially recommend warm water in cold latitudes, as it cannot help but prove more invigorating to the roots. The sun does not shine every day ; often it is withdrawn for a week, but if the soil is warmed with the water, it will not check the growth of the plants as much. This rule does not apply so closely to conservatories ; there the plant can be sprinkled as though they were growing in the open ground, and warm water is not so much of a necessity in a greenhouse, where the whole tempera- ture is adapted to the needs of plant-life. But this is not the case in window gardens, and we think its use the greatest benefit to them. Early in April, or in the later days of March, the plants that were stored in the cellar for safe keeping should be brought to the light ; the decayed leaves and dust must be carefully brushed away and picked off, and the plant repotted, ready to start forth afresh. The more hardy plants, like Roses, Geraniums, Pansies, etc., etc., can be put out of doors on warm days to enjoy an hour or so of fresh air and sunshine, at Qoontirae; or if a warm rain falls, all the plants can go out and drink in fresh 40 WJi\nOW GARDENING. life with every drop. But don't let them remain out too long ; a :hill in April is often fatal to Heliotropes, variegated leaved plants, Fuchsias, etc. One must be governed by the climate In March or April, according to your latitude, it is well to look into the subject of repotting the plants that have stood in the window. If the plants have had the requisite care and attention during the winter, they have made many new roots and must now have larger pots if you would have them grow to the best advantage. Water the pots freely so that the ball of earth will slip out easily, and have your fresh potting soil moist to the touch. Never pot a plant with its ball of earth quite dry, for you cannot give it a good watering in that state. All the water you may supply will run down the fresh soil at the sides, and the plant will experience the fate of Tantalus of old, and literally starve to death, although its nourishment is in sight. Ifyouusenew pots, let them be soaked in water over night if possible, and at least three or four hours before using them. If your pots are old, let them be thoroughly washed, and cleansed from all green mould and soil. It is not needful to provide larger pots wlien the first roots show themselves; out when they have twined and interlaced their tiny fibres, then they require more room. Often a light rap upon the edge of the pot, will be sufficient to turn out the ball of earth ; but if not, a thin bladed knife can be run around close to the pot for- an inch or two from the top, and this will bring it out easily. Turn it out with your hand and examine the roots ; if they are closely curled about it, the plant requires a pot one size larger. Fill the pot with rich compost and put in the ball and plant directly in the centre, for a plant growing sideways in a pot looks very badly ; iill up all around the sides of the pot, packing the .soil down firmly witli the fingers, cover the ball to the depth of a quarter or half an inch, leaving a vacant space of half an inch more to the edge of the pot for the purpose of sratering to advantage. When you turn out the plant, the roots will sometimes appear decayed, and the soil poor, dried, and gritty ; then wash it all away, removing the dried roots, and give fresh, rich soil, pressing it firmly about the roots, but keep the same sized pot. Perhaps you will find your plants injured by injudicious watering, the roots rotted, and the soil sodden. Cut off the roots as much as possible without remov- ing the whole of them, and plant them in much smaller pots with a sandy soil, and they will regain their health. As the weather grows warmer in May, many plants can be placed in balconies or on piazzas, and shielded from chilly winds and cold nights by mats or blan- kets, or they may be removed to cooler rooms where the sunshine will be suffi- ciently warm to keep them healthy. This is far better than roasting them in the hot rooms that many will live in, spite of all remonstrances to the contrary. Sweet Verbenas should be brought from their winter quarters early in March, and they will soon put forth their light green, deliciously perfumed leaves. WINDOW GARDENING 41 The plants tliat will flower most profusely in these months are : Azaleas. Heliotropes. Ahutilons. Lantanas Acacias. Libonia Jioribunda. Anemones. Lobelias. Auriculas. Mahernia odorata. Achimenes. Maurandias. Bouvardias. Myrtles. Begonias Oratiges. Calla Aethiopica. Oleanders. Cinerarias. Pelargoniums. Cyclamens. Primroses. BapJines. Petunias. Dielytra. Punsies. Epiphyllum Truncatum, etc. Boses. Tea. Hybrids. Bourhons luchsias. Bengal Eases. Gardenias. Verbenas. Geraniums, in all varieties. Violets. The Mush plant (^Mimulus tnoschatus') is an universal favorite. For culture in outside window boxes, the best are Violets, early flowering Snou; Drops, early flowering Anemones, Forget-me-Nots and Primroses. Summer Culture of Window Gardens. June, July and August, do not require as much labor as the busy months of springtime. To be sure the cultivator needs to give daily attention lest the plants should become dried up from want of water; and must also tie, stake, prune, air, and weed with great care. Water will now be required in greater quantities, and it need not be any warmer than standing in the sun will make it. The evening is the best time to apply it, because the plants will drink it up during the night to their great ad- vantage, while if given in the morning, the sun's rays will claim their share, and by quick evaporation much will be lost in the atmosphere. There are some plants that will desire, and must have water twice in the twent}'^- four hours. Fuchsias, Callas, Lobelias, etc., should have water both night and morning. After the first of June, the plants will enjoy all the fresh air that can be given both night and day, in nearly all latitudes. Calceolarias and Cinerarias will be benefited by being kept cool, which can be done by placing them on damp moss, or refuse tan bark, and covering the surface of the pot with it. By the middle of June thev can be placed in a cool, shady window, and all the stems that have flowered should be cut off, or if planted in a cool border, they will furnish more roots which can be divided in September or October. By the end of May, in many localities, many plants will flourish better out- side the window than inside; Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Roses, Ilelio- 42 WINDOW OARDENINO. tropes, etc., etc., can be placed in boxes and vases on piazzas or balconies, or a garden can be made on the roof. Large strong boxes can be attached to the outside of the windows, and all the plants set into them. In this way much care is avoided, for the plants can be watered with a syringe or watering pot, and the debris of withered leaves and stems IS more easily cleared away. The plants can also be kept much freer from insects, and will grow more luxuriantly. Manure waterings can be given weekly. A tablespoonful of guano in a gallon of water, which should stand in the sun two or three days before being applied, is the easiest to procure, but all or any of the manures alluded to before, can be employed. When the flower buds appear, stimulants are much needed ; and if no other can be procured, try this. Put a teaspoonful of aqua ammonia into a gallon of water, and sprinkle it all over the leaves and surface of the soil. Cut off all faded flowers; this greatly helps to keep the plants free from mildew, and increases their healthy condition ; every yel- low leaf should be taken off as soon as perceived. If ever a plant becomes thoroughly dry from oversight or neglect, place it in a deep pan of rain water (if possible,) and let it remain for an hour or longer, until it is thoroughly soaked, but do not let the pot be entirely covered with the water. H it water will frequently revive faded cut flowers ; cut off a small bit of the ste n, and then immerse the end into very hot water; you can see the petals smooth out from their crumpled folds, the leaves uncurl, and tlie whole branch an 1 flower resume its beauty. Colored flowers revive the most completely. White flowers turn yellow, and the thickest textured petals come out the best from this hot foot bath For preserving flowers in water, there is nothing so good as finely powdered charcoal. It keeps the water from all obnoxious odors. As a general rule too much air and too much light can not be given ; yet when m full bloom the direct rays of the sun will cause delicate flowers to fade rapidly, wliile if they are shaded from the noon-tide heat, their beauty will be much prolonged ; but during the night the more fresh air they breathe is the better. If house-plants are plunged in pots into the borders, care must be taken to either close up the outlet at the botom of the pot, or else to put bits of plank or shingles under them, or set them upon small stones. This is needful on account of the tendency of their tiny rootlets to force their way out of the pot, and when the plant is removed, they must necessarily be cut off, thereby causing it to droop or wither, and greatly injuring its growth. It is not advisable to let your plants run to seed. You desire to secure flowers, and to do this you must not let the plant fulfil its mission of leaves, buds, flow- ers and seeds in natural order, but by cutting off all the faded blooms, stimulate it to shoot forth fresh branches and buds, and strive to do its duty. In order to secure seeds that are worth planting, it is needful to pick off al' the later buds, and throw the whole strength of the plant into forming seed th;»> will prove worth the raising. WINDOW OARDENINO 43 Ho not omit the practice of washing 3'our pot plants in the summer, thinking that the rain will do it for you. It will help you doubtless, but if the loaves are bushy, many of them will not have their full share, andsliould still be syringed and washed with all the help of thutnband finger, sponge, brush, or garden synnge Keep the soil well stirred up in these months, for if you desire healthy plants the air must have access to the roots, and the surface of the pot must not be allowed to cake. There are many annuals that make fine pot plants both in summer and winter, but in June, July and August, they will give you most bi-illiant flowers at a very small cost. Boxes of Portulacca, Asters, Phlox, Stocks, Balsams, Pinks, Schizanthus, Zinnias, etc., are highly ornamental and within the reach of all flower lovers, while each of the above named flowers make handsome single plants in pots. We can hardly give a list of flowers that bloom in these months, for their name is legion, and embraces many of those mentioned heietofore. The Lilies are in their glory, and there can be no finer pot plants raised than the various varieties of Japan Lilies, Tigridias, Amaryllis and Vallotta 2^-irpurea mcperba, all of which are mentioned in the chapter upon bulbs. Late in August, cuttings can be struck from all bedding-out plants that are desired to be kept during the winter. At this season they strike root very freely, and will frequently become fine plants by December. Gloxinias and Achimenes are most desirable additions to summer blooming flowers. The Gloxinias are particularly beautiful and brilliant. Tlieir exquisite coloring and freshness is unequaled. Achimenes are, also, a genus of splendid plants, which will be described in Part II. They are unrivaled in beauty of coloring and form. They produce the most beautiful masses of blossoms in vases and baskets, over which they fes- toon their glorious flowers and trailing branches. Autumn Culture of Winclno Gardens For this season there is little to be added to the directions already given for the culture of house plants in previous months The plants that are intended for winter flowering should all be repotted and prepared for their permanent quarters early in September, so as to become fully estal)lished in the pots before the season is cold and gloomy. The roots must be attended to as heretofore directed, and if they cling to the surface of the pot, one of a larger size should be substituted, and fresh earth given. Be sure to procure good soil, and to press it tightly about the roots, and crown of the bulb, or stem of the plant Do not attempt to cultivate too many plants, remembering that one strong, handsome shaped healthy plant is worth more than ten or twelve sickly things, that are lanky, scraggy and never blossom Give your plants the morning sunshine. It is far better than the afternoon, and if the windows open, both to tlie east and southwest, so much the better for 44 WINDOW GARDEKINO. the plants at both windows; yet, if no other. location can be procured, the after noon sun is far better than none at all. Never use glazed pots or crockery and painted ware, unless the common pots are set into them for ornamental purposes Stimulate once a week with some one of the various liquid manures alluded to Avoid extremes of cold and heat, and give all the air that is allowable, accord ing to the temperature out of doors Of course, each gardener must regulate her plants, according to the latitude in which she lives. If, on the Pacific slope, the dust that is so tenacious during summer and autumn must be the greatest enemy to contend with, while on the Atlantic coast the chilly, bleak east winds are the greatest drawbacks to success- ful plant culture. In the west, the cold winds blow from the Rocky Mountains. No set code of rules can be given, and common, sense must govern window gardening, as well as in all the branches of domestic economy. A large sponge will do duty for a watering pot, or a hand brush broom dipped into water and shaken over the plants ; but sprinkling must be given in some shape, at least, once a day. If the pots are thoroughly washed with hot soap suds, all tendency to green mould will be prevented Make the water that is given, warmer now than in the summer. Put your finger into the saucer, and sfee how cold it is, when it drains through the outlet. And if quite cold, give water of a greater warmth. Plants that are in a state of rest, should have but very little water during the autumn. Bulbs must be started for early flowering in September and for Easter, bloom- ing late, in November. Roses should all be repotted with rich soil : full two-thirds of entirely decom- posed cow manure and leaf mould, so decayed as to crumble in the fingers, should be added, to one-third of good sandy loam. As most of the desirable flowering plants will be treated of in their respective chapters, it will only be a repetition to notice them here, or to give a list of them. Insects, and How to Kill Them. The previous anxieties of the gardener are but light compared to the deadly warfare he is now forced to wage against the tiny insects which not only infest iiis house-plants, but the soil in which they grow and bloom. The red spider is the most minute, yet the most dangerous foe wherewith we have to deal. Hot and close parlors and sitting-rooms, are its delight, and it weaves its tiny webs about the casements waiting until the plants are ready to feed it. He is a treacherous invidious enemy seeming to lie in the window frames quiet and warm, but ready to seize upon our rarest Roses, most valiial)le Fuchsias and Carnations, as soon as they are placed in their winter quarters. It is the tiniest of red mites ; tlie merest grain as it lies in repose under tlie leaves of the plant it has chosen for its dwelling, but when the leaf is closely e.v- amined, it rushes wildly about, apparently knowing that it is doomed, and its minutes are numbered Though the.se pests are so minute, one can easily discover their presence ; for the upper sides of the leaves grow brown and sire, and the plant loses its healthy appearance. A thorough sprinkling and washing may drive away the intruders, but if the heated and close atmosphere is still continued, plenty more will be generated. Red pepperhas been found decidedly obnoxious to it. It should be dusted upon with a pepper castor, holding the plant bottom side upwards, while another per- son dusts on the pepper. Ofcour.se you must take care not to let it fall in any quantity upon the soil of the pot, lest it .should injure the roots. A decoction of quassia will also act fatally upon insect life, if used in the following proportions : Boil one ounce of quassia wood in three pints of water until but a quart re- mains ; when luke warm, either dip in the infested plants, or sponge offeach leaf with a sponge or brush. Let them stnnd fifteen minutes or so, then dip the plants or wash them off with clear water, as the decoction of quassia, if allowed to remain on the leaves, will injure them. Tobacco smoke is also a good preventive to some insects, but tliis red spider does not seem to heed it. The aphis or green fly, does not affect a Hking for tobacco, for it intoxicates it, and causes it to fall from the leaves and branches of all plants. Hold a lighted cigar under the leaves of your Roses, etc., not so near as to curl them 46 IVINDOW GARDENINO. with the lieat however, and see how they will fall down completely stupefied; but, if left to themselves, they will revive, and slowly return to their leafy homes. Place a paper under the leaves when you apply the smoke, and tlien you can easily destroy them. If a plant is very much infested with these noxious pests, take the pot m your hand and spread a paper under it, then with a feather or small wing, brush oif the insects and burn them all up. Then dip the plant into warm water, to kill the eggs, and with a weekly washing, smoking or sprinkling, not an insect will be seen. A conservatory plant-stand, or window garden with plants covered with these insects, plainly announces the neglect they have received. The old maxim seems to come here again in play, i. e. " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If plants were as carefully washed and tended as many pet animals were, there would be no need of any remedies against in.sects. Conservatories can be kept free of all insects by being smoked once a week with tobacco. Close all the windows carefully that lead into the house, take the largest size flower pot-saucer, put a shovel full of blazing coals into it, and pour over them an ounce of tobacco, letting it smoke well ; if it is slightly damp- ened tbe smoke will be more dense. Let it smoke for half an hour, then open the window out of doors, and let the .smoke go out. Choose a bright fair day when half an hour's outside air will not injure the plants, and you will keep all of them fresh and vigorous. The mealy bug, is a white mealy looking insect, but very destructive to plant life. It does not dislike tobacco, but has a hatred to whale oil soap. A quarter of a pound dissolved in five quarts of water, and syringed on to the plants, or sprinkled with a watering pot, will force it to disappear. Like the aphis, it can be brushed off with a chicken's wing. Brown scale will sometimes attack Roses, Daphnes, Oranges and Pittosporums, but it is not nearly as common as the above mentioned insect. Bad ventilation and dark places are its chief cause and habitat ; frequent washings and picking off with the hand, are its only means of destruction, as it thrives on tobacco smoke, and makes no objection to the disgusting odor of whale j'l soap suds. Thrips is a dark brown or whitish yellow fly, very active on the wing, and greatly injurious to many plants. It will not thrive where tobacco smoke is given tc plants, and is most likely to be found where plants are placed thickly together, in a shaded window. The Verbena mite is a most tiny insect, smaller than the red spider, and quite as disastrous in its ravages. It «innot be seen with the naked eye, but viewed through a microscope, it appears as large as a house fly If it attacks your plants, it appears like a black rust so thickly does it congre- gate together. It delights in Heliotropes, Petunias, Verbenas, etc., and is closely allied to the insect which infests the Plum, Peach and Cherry trees Neither sulphur, tobacco, or wh«ile oil soap are obnoxious to it, but it will run WIADOW GARDENING 47 away from the " Grafton Miaeral Fertilizer," and a thorough sprinkling of the dry powder on the leaves or steins well moistened, will make the msects dis lodge their hold, not to return. There is another mite whose color varies from green to black, and is as par- ticular in its attentions to Carnations and Pinks, and to rapid in its movements, that it has been named the " Carnation Twitter." It is very destructive to all the varieties of plants above mentioned, and it affects the leaves like the spider, making them very unhealthy in appearance and as yet no means have been found to destroy it. If plants grow vigoroasly, are healthy and well cared for, the ravages of insects are not to be much dreaded ; and if they do appear they can be quickly routed. Undoubtedly we must fight if we would become the owners of hand some, finely formed, profuse blo-soming plants ; and she who devotes the most time to them, will be the proudest of the flowers she rears. Sulphur and tobacco are powerful remedies in the hands of an amateur, and will often not only kill all the insects, but destroy all the plants. As almost every amateur usually undertakes to try some experiment for himself, so we record the experience of a lady who writes us : " Years ago, when we had the charge of a small conservatory, we tried the eftcct of sulphur thrown upon liot coals to kill infested plants. Every insect succumbed before its direful fumes ; so aisodid the plants; hardly a leaf remained on the stems the following day, and the poor leafless branches spake to me in terms of sad reproach through their mute lips. I was then a tyro in the busi- ness, and greatly desired to have every thing done thoroughly . "Thus I learned, that there is no teacher like expeiience, his school is a hard one, he is a stern disciplinarian, but when his lessons are once learned they are not forgotten, but are indellibly printed upon the pages of memory "Luckily for my conservatory, it was denuded of its leaves in May, and soon the poor forlorn plants -ware set out into the borders where they could recuperate and regain the foliage denuded by so strong a sulphur bath. "Again: I tried tobacco tea, and i'^ it steeped 'ach treasured Rose, each loved Fuchsia, and they looked so worn and weary after it that I was heart sick with my efforts in their behalf. Since then, I have been very shy of tr3nng such ex- periments, and content myself with hand brushing ami washing, but still more with the daily care, the constant loving attention which is much the surest and the safest for flowers." White mites may frequently be seen infesting the soil in pots. They seem to be the larvae of a small black or brown fly, and are very injurious to the well-being of the plants. Lime water, salt and water, and hot water, have all been tried. The first two were inefficient to injure them, and the last killed the plants. Now we turn in a goodly supply of warm water, and when we see wriggling specks of white, take up the pot and turn off the water. Give another supi)ly, and tuin that away, and continue to do so until not one remains. The third or fourth day the process is repeated, and by this means the troublesome mites are destroyed 48 WnXDOW nAIiDENTNO. Wood ashes will sometimes drive them away. They appear to be on or near the surface of the pot. Red pepper carefully dusted over the outside of the earth will kill them, and then the earth containing it can be removed, lest the pepper might prove too heating to the roots. Salt is said to drive them away. We tried it as recommended, and killed half a dozen of our finest Carnations, so concluded not to try such rash experiments on choice plants. Again, in using the red pepper, of course you must not put on a full spoonful, but only a slight sprinkling over the surface, where the worms lie the thickest. If angle worms are in the soil, they can be removed by turning out the ball of earth and picking them out, and if a fine hair pin or knitting needle is thrust into the soil, they will all come to the surface and can easily be dislodged. Lime water will also drive them out and help the growth of the plant, keeping the foliage fresh and bright. Tt can be applied once a week without damage to the plant, and can be made by slacking a small piece of fresh lime in hot water, then adding cold, and stirnng it well. The water will only dissolve just so much lime, and the residue will remain in the pail or firkin used to dissolve it. Mora water can be turned on to it, and so continue until it is all taken up. Then bottle the water and cork up for use. Keep the bottles where they will not freeze. A little of the undissolved lime can be put into every bottle, and when the water turns out discolored, more can be added to it. A tablespoonful of spirits of camphor, added to a pint and a half of water, will make a good wash to keep off insects. But with proper care and good manage- ment the.se antidotes need not be employed. Fresh water well applied, fresh air at proper times, and cleanliness at all times, are thj best preventives one can employ against insects. CKLA^I^TER VI. Propagation from Seeds, Cuttings, etc. At present most of our Wimlow Gardens in cities are filled with plants bought from the florist. Of course one half do not know how they are grown, and hence do not well know how to take care of them. Every window gardener, it seems to us, should understand the first principles of i)lant life, and learn for himself liow they are propagated. Nearly all plants that are desirable for window gardening can be raised either from seeds, cuttings or by grafting. Bulbous roots are propagated cliiefly from offsets, and the new varieties are produced from the seeds. Other plants are also increased by ofisets or separating the roots, but their number is comi)aratively Ararmth, moisture, proper temperature and a soil suitable to promote the sprouting of the germ, and a sliady situation until the seeds have swelled, are essential to the vegetation of seeds. For window plants a greater degree of warmth is needful. Unless the air is from 60" to 70°, and some bottom heat is supplied, your success will not satisfy you. Seeds of tender plants require hot house treatment. Moisture must not be with held at any time; yet, if it is in excess, the seeds are apt to decay before they sprout. A thick piece of flannel wet with hot water, and laid over the soil and pressed lightly down upon it, will ensure the needfal moisture, warmth and darkness. Warm water should be given over it, letting it permeate slowly through it. Tt must be lifted daily to see if the tender seeds are starting ; the flannel must be removed before the leaves appear, and a pane of glass which will exactly cover the seed box or pot placed closely over them. Too deep planting is a fruitful cause of failure with amateur seed raisers. The depth of the soil must be proportioned to the size of the seed. Petunias, Primu- las, etc., require the least spiinkhng of sandy loam. A good general rule is to cover the seed only to the thickness of their own diameter, yet this would not hold good with Sweet Peas, for they grow better when planted three inches in depth. With very fine seeds it is best to press thera lightly into the surface of the soil with the fingers, then shade from the sun three or four days either with cloth or newspapers, ai"4 sprinkle over the coverings, not letting them become dry at all, r-jt not tjlUnrj ',he germ of the seeds by too much water. '^.f',s^ f/'^. '/ plant culture fail by sowing their seeds in soil that is too wet or 4 5 WIND W GAUD ENINO too dry. All seeds sown in pots are more difficult to manage than those raised in a hot bed or in the border on account of the danger of drj'ing up. The ancient maxim again comes up, " that if a thing is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well." So in plant culture it is just as easy to do it right as wrong. The soil sliould be light and sandy; clear sand, such as the masons use for making plaster, is just the thing with which to cover the seeds, and to mix with the loam. The soil should not be all of sand, because it will dry too quickly. Nor must it be of clayey loam, because it will keep too wet, and will not let the air circulate fi-eely enough to make the seeds vegetate. But a good loam mixed with sand will answer our purpose exactly. Fill the pots with it and leave quarter of an inch of clear, sand at the top, for the minute seeds, and half an hich for those of larger size. Abutilons, Pelargo- niums, Coboea, etc. Set the pots in water up to the rims to ler. the soil become thoroughly wetted, then place them to drain for half an hour or more. Plant the seeds on the surface, sprinkling over them and pressing lightly upon them &and proportionate to their needs. * The sand must not be allowed to dry at all, and we find that nearly all kinds of seeds will germinate more quickly in it than in loam, though a mixture of both may be desirable in some cases when the care is not constant. Shallow cigar boxes are preferable to pots; they will hold much more, can be handled as easily, and make the best seed pans that we know of. The soil for planting seeds should be as fine as possible. It is a good plan to bake it in an old pan in the oven, then sift it through a good sized sieve, which can be made out of an old milk pan, by boring holes through the bottom of it. Soil thus prepared is far better than if taken directly from the garden, yet in all cases it is better to buy it of the florists, then you know it is just right. When the second tier of leaves show themselves, it is time to transplant the seedlings, into the pots or boxes in which you intend them to grow and bloom. There is some art in watering seedlings as well as plants, as there is great dan- ger of the tiny sprouts becoming water clogged or " damped off." It is often better to water little pots by placing them in shallow pans of wa- ter, and letting them suck up moisture for a few minutes. Boxes can be mois- tened by pouring the water against the sides of them, holding the spout close to them, and letting only a small stream fall from the nozzle, thus gently wetting the whole surface. The pane of glass that is to be kept over the young plants, can be edged upon one side to give more air, and prevent their growmg spindling, and wire drawn. Bell glasses are much better however, and are largely used in England and in France where they are called cloches. They are conical, rising to a sharp point in the middle, and are of cheap construction. Seedlings raised under them flour- ish finely, and there is little need for watering tiny plants ; for when the edge of the glass is within the rim of the pot, the moisture becomes condensed upon the sides of the glass, and moistens the soil by trickling down upon it. WISD O ir GA RDIJMXG. 5 \ Another desirablo way is to pack the pot in which the seeds are phmted, into another pot of larger size, and fill up the space with moss, refuse hops or tan bark, which can be kept both warm and moist with liot water. A little of it can stand in the saucer which holds the largest pot, and thus a uniform state of moisture can be preserved. Ilard shelled seeds, like Canna, Acacias, Cypress Vines, etc., will germinate much quicker if they are soaked in boiling water for an hour or so. Turn it upon them boiling hot, and let it stand until cool, then plant the seeds. Some gardeners prefer to pour boiling water upon the surface of the soil prepared for them, rather than upon the seeds. Either way will succeed, but it is essential to soften the horny substance which envelops the seeds, if you desire them to grow. Verbena seeds require soaking in warm water over night ; turn the water upon them, and let the cup stand in a warm place. Many beautiful plants can be rais«d from seeds as easily as from cuttings, and l>e more highly appreciated because they are all your own, developed by your patient care and attention. Begonias, Callas, Oleanders, Cyclamens, Calceolarias, Gloxinias, Primulas, Carnations, Lantanas, Coleus, Heliotropes, Geraniums, Cinerarias, Pelargo- niums, Camelliiis, Abutilons and Cacti, etc., can all be made to grow into fine plants, but it requires constant care anj patience to cultivate them. Some of them are very long in germinating, others in blooming, and they re- quire much time, for the least neglect will often prove fatal to them. Cuttings. There is little trouble raising plants from cuttings ; a few rules are es.sentia), and a little care and time are requisite, but any one can make them strike root. They can be struck either from woody pieces without leaves, but all ready to send them forth, or from young green shoots. The first mentioned will rarely fail to grow, but they grow slowly, taking sometimes a long time to start the first leaf, while the nice green shoots will quickly become respectable plants. But it is well to know that if the branches of an old plant are broken down, the hard woody stems will produce iu time, tine plants. Take a hard old stem of Geranium, Fuchsias, Myrtle, Heliotrope. Sweet Ver- bena, or any desirable plant, and cut it so as to leave one or two joints or ey>s5 on a piece, (a joint is the slight thickening of the branch whence the leaves and side branches will come out), set them into a damp sponge or moss, keeping it moistened, for four or five days, a week may not be too long, but keep them in a dark caol place. A slight callous will then be formed, and the cutting will be all ready to put forth fi-esh roots as soon as it is potted. In carrying 'cuttings from place to place, it is best to wrap them in a damp sponge, leaving out the upper leaves, and covering the sponge with oil silk ct 52 WINDOW GARDEiXING. enamel cl'/uH. Ali CiiU'rigs strike root more quickly in sand than in loam, and i the bottom o{ ilie joint couches tlie side of the pot or box, it hastens its growth. Bottom neat is quite as needful to propagate cuttings as seeds, and the heated cases referred to in another cnapter would give every amateur a desirable hot bed at a shgnt outlay. To raiso cuttings from a fi-esh or succulent branch, it is needful to take one in a proper conoition to secure success. Mr. Henderson says, that if a cutting bends, it will not grow easily, but if it snaps oiTii is ready to make root, and become a vigorous plant. This test does not always apply to woody stemmed plants like Myrtles, Sweet Verbenas, Daph- nes, Roses and Azaleas, but their growth is usually tiuer if the wood is easily broken. "Whether the cuttings ve of hard or St*in.^ultnt growth, they are similarly planted, and tho} can be jiihcrted ah afOiUid tut Uje of a pot net over an inch apart, and nearly h^ ^'eop as the seooud eye. Propagating Boxes, Heating Cases and Cold Frames. There are alwaj's some plants that are very difKcult to start without some bottom lieat, and all amateur gardeners cannot possess a hot bed. But the heaied case affords to them the greatest facilities for striking cuttings, raising seeds, and bringing well established plants into rapid growth. A lionie made case may be made in the form of a double cube, say twelve inches wide and high, and eighteen inches long. A concealed tank of zinc tilled with hot water, will give out and retain the heat from twelve to twenty -four hours without clianging the water. No lamp or extra heat need be used, and tlie cases are perfectly clean and unobjectionable, while they can be with a little mechanical skill, rendered very ornamental and agreeable objects for any parlor or sitting room. It is best, that the entire frame work be made of wood, and the sides and top consist each of a pane of glass fitted into the frame ; or in other words, it is a smaM glass sltow case with open bottoms. One of the sides may be arranged so as to slide out to give greater ease in arranging the plant within and for cleaning the glass. The top may be movable, fastened by hinges, and lifted up one or two inches occasionally for ventilation. When the plants are in bloom, the entire side or top can be left open all day. The wood work may be either painted or be constructed simply of black wal- nut, oak, and oiled; either will look well. In some of our horticultural stores there are cases already constructed for prop- ligating purposes which till the exact need. Figs. 17 and IS are manufactured of galvanized iron, one being about three feet Fig. 17. iOngand '.wo wide, thri other one foot by eighteen inches A shallow boiler about 54 WLVD W G A KDEXIXG. the size of tlie bottom is fitted in each case, filled with water, and heated by the flame of either a lamp or gas jet beneath. The top is of glass and can be lifted at any time fresh air is needed. A thermometer completes the equipment. It is very simple and successful. The heat can be run up to any desired point and the lady who uses it can soon initiate heiself into the mysteries and practice of rooting, cutting and propagating fine bedding plants. Fig. 19 is a propagating box made of earthen ware, with grooves in the top for a pane of glass to slide up and down with a cover. The heat thus generated can be retained for a considerable length of time by closing the glass top. They are very suitable for starting soft wooded cuttings in sand. r\'A. iH A forcing stand may be erected like this in Fig.20. It consists of a wrought iron frame of ornamental design with two stories. In each story there is a row of double pans, the bottom one containing water which is heated by a patent kero.sene lamp, keeping the temperature of the inner pan about 100°. In this inner pan are placed mould, sand or loam, wherein the pots are plunged. The heat of the water is communicated directly through the sand to the cutting or seeds which will germinate in a few days. All cultivators need to know that for propagating purposes, there is needed heat and moisture, and to be succes,sful you need a greater bottom heat than sur- face heat, and also, still, quiet atmosphere. If this case is used in a room where the tempera, ture is usually quite inild, no glass covering will bi.> needed; still if it isneeded, a case like that described in the former pari of this chapter may be constructed for each shelf. If pots are used in these little casosi they should be very small, not over two inches in di ameter. Such little contrivances as these render it compara- tively easy for any lady to raise her own Verbenas, Pelaigoniums, or other simple plants, and would undoubtedly do more lo p.eascan