The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-01-14

animals, we could destroy the various species of
lice. In fact, am quite sanguine that this will
prove ready means for the destruction ofnearly
all our noXious insects, where the powder can be
actually brought in contact with Them
PARLoR PLANTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
There are not many fine Towering plants which
will grow and bloom in perfection in the common
atmosphere of q dwelling room the air is toodry
and it is not consistent with comfort to keep the
air saturated with moisture even were it practi-
cable to do so. Parlors are usually warm enough
for plant growth, and there need be no difficulty
in keeping the soil as wet as is necessary, but al
though everything that skill and care can suggest
may be judiciously applied, yet the want of a
proper degree of moisture in the air will 60 far
towards counteracting all other efforts to induce
a satisfactory growth in most Towering plants.
But the plants which suffer most are those
having the largest leaves, because they present
greater surface for evaporation than smaller foil
aged plants: hence it is jiudicious to select the
latter, as far as they are desirable for parlor Gull
ture, as being more likely to remain healthy I'M
der the circumstances Undoubtedly the best
arrangement for parlor plants is that of provid-
ing deep bay window for their accommodation,
which can be isolated from the room proper by
sliding sashes On a line with the walls of the
room, so that when the sashes are closed cabi-
net will be provided for the plants, the atmos-
phere of which can be kept in q condition more
congenial to vegetable health and the plants still
be conveniently enjoyable as parlor ornaments.
In the absence of any special provision as above,
selection Of plants may be made which require
only a minimum amount of water in the air.
Such, for example are the smaller forms of the
Cactus family, many of which are novel and in
teresting plants, with handsome, and sometimes
snowy flowers. The nigh blooming Cereus does
well in a room, although not so we'll adapted as
some others, On account of its heightened stems
and the space they occupy. The fiat stemmed
Epyphyllums, or Crab Cactus, as they are
sometimes called, make fine parlor plants, and
bloom profusely with ordinary care
There are various species of Oxalis, or wood
sorrel, which are exceedingly well adapted for
parlor culture; they are usually very prolific in
flowers; they are mostly tuberous rooted and the
leaves indicate maturity of the bulbs by turning
yellow and fading; they then be set out in the
garden, and again lifted and placed in the pots
towards the fall. Among the best Towering
kinds may be mentioned Osalis Booreii, Ocalis
UersicOlor Oralis rosea, and Oralis .fara.
The Cyctamea Persicum is now popular winter
Towering plant Of late years many fine varie-
ties of this species have been Produced some of
them having delightful fragrance. They nat
urally flower during winter and early spring
After the bloom fades, the leaves will continue to
grow, and about the end of May they can be set
out In the border; when the weather becomes
warm and dry the leaves will fade and drop.
About the end of August the leaves will again
appear, when the bulbs should be carefully lifted
placed in pots, and taken into the house. where
they will continue to grow and again flower in
due season.
One of the best parlor plants for winter flowers
is the Chinese primrose, especially the varieties
which have double flowers they are exceedingly
foriferous and keep in bloom for months They
are somewhat difficult to preserve during the
summer, but will generally succeed when set in
a shaded position, keeping them in the pots, and
watered only when very dry. They require to
be watered with care at all times. Ifkept too wet
the stems will decay, hence the soil for them
should be Of porous character, and the drainage
in the pots should be perfect, so that when water
is given the surplus will readily run off, The sim
gle varieties are best managed when treated as
that is, supply of young plants being
raised from seeds which are sown in the fall
CINCHONA CULTURE.-It is estimated that |
here are now in cultivation 100000 Cinchona !
5rees, exclusive of any that may be grown in
south America where the trees are native |
These occupy $3.50 acres, and of these 10000 |
acres are under cultivation in India, $4,000 acres
III Ceylon, 5000 acres in Java and 300 acres in |
Jamaica, with smaller areas in st. Helena, and in
other parts Of the world.
1t is stated as practical fact that banks grown |
at low elevations contain less quinine and more
cinchonine than those at high elevations and
that the quicker tree grows the more quinine
and the less cinchonidin will be found
The total consumption of bark is estimated at
p $50, 600 lbs.
VALVE OF MITCE The CONTRADICTIONS, x,;a,Dc