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-faced plants (such as camellias, ivies, etc.) should be
carefully sponged so as to keep the foliage clean and healthy.

PLANTS SUCCEED BEST

in an even temperature, ranging from sixty to seventy degrees during
the day and 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 is to lay the plants on the side and sprinkle well or
shower. Repeat if necessary. If manures are used, give in a liquid
form.

Some of the plants most suitable for parlor culture are: Pelargoniums,
geraniums, fuchsias, palms, begonias, monthly roses, camellias,
azaleas, oranges, lemons, Chinese and English primroses, abutilons,
narcissus, heliotrope, 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 camellia while the flower buds are
swelling or 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.

A good way

TO START SLIPS

is to partly break off the slip (but do not entirely sever it from the
parent stock), leaving it hanging for ten or twelve days; then remove
and plant in a box of half sand and half leaf mold and it will be well
rooted in a week. Do not water too freely or the slip will rot.

If house plants are watered once a week with water in which is mixed a
few drops of ammonia they will thrive much better. Sometimes small
white worms are found in the earth--lime water will kill them. Stir up
the soil before pouring it on, to expose as many as possible. For
running vines, burn beef bones and mix with the earth.

TO KEEP PLANTS WITHOUT A FIRE AT NIGHT.

Have made, of wood or zinc, a tray about four inches deep with a
handle on either end, water-tight. Paint it outside and in, put in
each corner a post as high as the tallest of your plants, and it is
ready for use. Arrange your flowerpots in it and fill be