think you ought to have,
for what reason you will see in the following.

Get a supply of sphagnum moss, and line the entire inner surface, sides
as well as bottom, an inch in thickness; press down compactly, then fill
nearly full of light, rich prepared soil, and put in the plants;
something tall and graceful in the center, compact and dwarf-growing
around this, and vines around the edges. Astonishingly beautiful results
may be had with small baskets by using only one sort of plant in each,
such as oxalis, ivy geranium or some trailing flowering vines. Cover the
surface of the soil between the plants with clean live sphagnum moss.
This will both add to the appearance and conserve the moisture.

The best way by far to water hanging baskets is to have them so arranged
that they may be taken down easily and allowed to soak until thoroughly
wet in a tub or pail of water--which will take some time, as the moss
will be like a dry sponge. Let them drain until dripping ceases and hang
in place again.

If the above method is adhered to, you are sure to meet with success
that will prove most gratifying.

CHAPTER XVII

HOUSE-PLANT INSECTS AND DISEASES

If the suggestions for taking proper care of plants, detailed in a
former chapter, are carefully followed, and they are given plenty of
fresh air and not crowded together, insects should not cause serious
trouble.

No matter how careful one may be, however, they are almost certain to
put in an appearance and steps to combat them must be taken immediately.
Remember, however, that the best remedy is prevention, and the best
prevention is to have good strong healthy plants.

The two troubles perhaps the most common are neither insects nor
disease. They are gas and sour soil.

The faintest trace of furnace gas or of illuminating gas will cause
trouble, indicated by the yellowing and falling of the leaves and
unsatisfactory development of buds. Where there is no way of eliminating
the presence of these gases the only way to success with the
plants--unless they can be entirely shut off in an enclosed place as
suggested in Chapter II--is to take every possible care about leaks, and
to give all the fresh air possible.

Sour soil is the result of improper drainage conditions, too much
water, or both. It causes the leaves to turn yellow and checks new
growth. Making right the harmful conditions will usually renew the
health of the plant, but in bad cases it will be far b