Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1898-05-28

Would ne Kept Closed and Dark.
II Is always pleasant recreation for
the city man or woman 10 have a few
pots containing pretty flowers. but It
is sad fact that not one In hundred
has the slightest idea as TO how the
plants should be treated In order TO Sc
cure the best results. The indoor eul-
ture OF plants IL also intimately con-
nected with the sanitary condition OF
our dwellings,. says the Philadelphia
Inquirer. The oxygen OF the atmos-
phere Ia indispensable 10 the respirs-
ton OF animals: It purifies their blood
and affords them internal heat: and.
combining with particles ready 10 be
removed from every part OF the frame.
is expired In the form OF carbonic acid
gas Ga compound OF oxygen and car
bonl. This gas. which IL deleterious
TO animal life. constitutes the main
nourishment of plants. which absorb
IL, appropriate its carbon and restore
It's oxygen to the air. again to be
breathed in purity by men and ami
mails. II Ii true that pure air is neces-
sary alike 20 the life Of plants and ami
mails. but the amount OF oxygen abb
sorbed by the former Ii by no means
equal 10 that which they restore. and
thus through their agency the at
mosphere Is kept la healthy eausli-
brium. II Ii only during the day and
under the influence OF light, however.
that carbonic acid II employed for the
nutrition OF plants: that which they
absorb during the night Is returned
into the atmosphere with the water
which Is continually eyaporating from
the surface OF the leaves From this II
will be understood how the night mir
OF an apartment containing flowers Is
said 20 be isss heaithfui than tho at
mosphere which pervades IL during the
day. though under ordinary states OF
ventilation no danger need be appre-
hended from this source Besides their
direct purifying influence plants also
tend Indirectly TO the health Of dwell
Ing apartments. For their sake the
windows containing them with be Of
tener cleaned. the sash more frequent
.iy thrown open and the air and sum
shine intended for them viii also light
en- and purify the air OF the apartment.
As 10 the amount Of skiil necessary for
domestic dover culture. Il need not be
very great II Ii true that particular
plants require particular treatment as
20 moisture. exposure 10 sunlight. etc.
that some climb, others creep. some
require support. others foat on water.
some remain evergreen, others do
mand periods OF rest: but All this can
ftE
the particular plant IL obtained Cut
things. while they are freely provided
with heat az golstnre. should not be
too much q. sd 10 light and sun-
shine The evaporation which takes
place from the leaves must NOT exceed
the moisture which the root is capable
Of absorbing from the soil: II Il does
50 tho plants viii speedily ianguish
and die. II Il necessary. therefore. TO
keep young slips partially IN the shade
until they ARE thoroughly rooted and
begin 70 send forth leaf buds. which are
sure symptoms ~ their new vitality.
Particular attention should be paid 10
the matter OF watering our domestic
plants Though plants may b occa-
sionaliy showcred with tho watering
pot, IA general the best mode is I'd give
them their supply by the fats OF san.
GERS and under soil and TO take care
that this be as regular or as gradual an
possible. Drenching them today and
forgetting them for the remainder OF
the week IL decidedly hurtfuI. and
watering the surface has cooling ef-
feet on the soil, though II iE objection
able on the score Of cleanliness. But
care must be taken not to give any
plant more water at time than ita
roots can quickly take up; water stand.
ing in saucer IL always injurious.
Moisture can always be partially sup
piled by placing shallow tin flats on
the flower stand. from which the water
can eyaporate among the leaves and
branches Of the plants.
Remember. too. that regular expos-
ure and turning OF plants 10 light are
quite AZ necessary as air and moisture
II we would grow them healthy and of
proper shapes.
In transferring plants which have
become too large for their original pots
II is generally necessary to remove
part OF the old matted root. the fibers
of which surround the bali OF earth ] 10
open II up. as It were. so that Il may
speedily obtain nutriment from The
new supply OF soil. Nothing can be
more absurd than 10 transfer ball 81
fibers and exhausted soil to new POI
under the idea OF not injuring the root
DO not forget. also. to place ut TIC
bottom of all pots a layer of brolsSi
earthenware or sifted gravel next "a
the bottom. with some turf or mos.
above to facilitate drainage.