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Classic
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page 441
for strewing the rough paths of life with such perfect unsullied
loveliness.--Mrs. Gen. Van Cleve, Minneapolis, Minn.
HOUSE PLANTS.--Plants that require a high or low temperature, or a very moist
atmosphere, and plants that bloom only in summer are undesirable. Procure fresh
sandy loam, with an equal mixture of well rotted turf, leaf mold and cow-yard
manure, with a small quantity of soot. In repotting use one size larger than
they were grown in; hard burned or glazed pots prevent the circulation of air.
Secure drainage by broken crockery and pebbles laid in the bottom of the pot. An
abundance of light is important, and when this can not be given, it is useless
to attempt the culture of flowering plants. If possible they should have the
morning sun, as one hour of sunshine then is worth two in the afternoon. Fresh
air is also essential, but cold, chilling draughts should be avoided. Water from
one to three times a week with soft luke-warm water, draining off all not
absorbed by the earth. Do not permit water to stand in the saucers, as the only
plant thriving under such treatment are calla lilies, and even for these it is
not necessary unless while blooming. Dust is a great obstacle to the growth of
plants; a good showering will generally remove it, but all the smooth-leaved
plants, such as camellias, ivies, etc., should be occasionally sponged to keep
the foliage clean and healthy. Plants succeed best in an even temperature
ranging from sixty to seventy degrees during the day, with from ten to twelve
degrees lower at night. If troubled with insects put them under a box or barrel
and smoke from thirty to sixty minutes with tobacco leaves. For the red spider,
the best remedy if to lay the plants on the side and sprinkle well or shower.
Repeat if necessary. The soil should be frequently stirred to prevent caking. If
manures are used give in a liquid form. Some of the most suitable plants for
parlor culture are pelargoniums, geraniums, fuchsias, palms, begonias, monthly
roses, camellias, azaleas, oranges, lemons, Chinese and English primroses,
abutilons, narcissus, heliotrope, stevias, bouvardias, petunias, and the
gorgeous flowering plant poinsettia pulcherrima. Camellias and azaleas require a
cooler temperature than most plants, and the poinsettia a higher temperature. Do
not sprinkle the foliage of the camellias while the flower-buds are swelling, as
it will cause them to droop, nor sprinkle them in the sunshine. They should have
a temperature of about forty degrees and more shade. By following these rules,
healthy flowering plants will be the result.--J. S. Robinson.
THE CARE OF HOUSE PLANTS.--When plants are frosted sprinkle with fresh cold
water, and place under a box or something that will exclude the light and
prevent too great a change in temperature. Keep them thus for two days. After
sprinkling, be careful to put them where they will not chill again.
Horse-manure, two years old, is best for carnations. For begonias good drainage
is indispensable. The whole family thrive in a compost of one-half loam and
one-half leaf-mold with a slight portion of sand. From September to February
give pelargoniums only enough water to keep them from wilting; then water
freely, and when they begin to bud, apply a little liquid-manure, or add ammonia
to the water twice a week. Double geraniums should be kept in small pots, as
they will not bloom well until the roots become compact. They require a higher
temperature than the single varieties. During warm weather, the foliage of
fuchsias should be well sprinkled every evening to prevent its becoming seared
too early. To obtain plants of the greatest beauty in form and color, plenty of
light and space
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