The San Francisco call., 1905-01-22
the day and you will find that the
~f.ect is permanently beneficial.

~yect Is permanently beneficial.
ISABELLE CThe simple art Of using
flowers indoors)-Every one appreciates
the charm and sense of luxury created
by the presence of flowers in a room.
But unfortunately in this cline only
the rich can have flowers always.
There are ways. however. for the per-
son of moderate means to get around
this financial difficulty.
In the first place, 1t is not necessary
to have a great number of flowers in
order to decorate a room beautifully.
The japanese, who are past masters in
decoration, and make special study
of flower arrangement-it is a part Of
every Japanese girls education-have y
discovered the secret which is, simply
to, study and reproduce as nearly as
possible the natural growth of the
flower. Two roses, or a single rose.
with its leaves untouched (they will
not cost more than ten cents apiece)
are often more beautiful in a rather tall
vase in just the right place in the room
than the most extravagant bunch Of
American Beauty roses.
For those whose income will not per-
NIT the indulgence in cut flowers, there
is still the luxury of growing plants;
and the feeling about plant Is very
interesting. There is a sense Of owner
ship, Of friendship. Every one who has
had a growing plant and cared for It
knows the kind of affection that one
comes to feel for it. Indeed, the fact
of having to care for 1t is probably
partly the reason for the affection. And
they must be cared for. A dear old
lady who is most miraculously success
full with growing things always said,
"They have to be cared for like little
children"
And caring does not mean only wa
tering 1t is important that plants
should have plenty of earth. plenty Of
air, plenty-but not too much-water,
and as much sunshine as possible II
they are plants that require sunshine.
All plants should have their leaves
washed. In the case Of the thinner
leaved plants 1t is sufficient that the
water be dashed or sprinkled over
them. But palms. rubber plants and
ivies should have each leaf washed
separately, they should be washed with
a sponge soaked in weak solution OF
borax water Zone teaspoonful OF borax
in a pitcher of water). More than that.
the jars that hold the plants should be
washed with the same solution in order
to Illustrate the destructive intentions
of agile insects.
The plant that is appropriate and de-
corative in one place may not be so in
another. Palms. which, properly cared
for, should live indefinitely, are among
the most decorative plants. They are
on the whole the most appropriate
plant for the parlor or sitting-room-
: But they, too, need to be kept clean
and the best and simplest method -
the weekly wash in tepid borax water.
This will invigorate the palm, destroy
lice or insects Of any sort and act as
a cosmetic on the plant leaf.
Geraniums are always charming 1or
q window box, either within or outside.
There is something joyous ana gay
about them in the sunny window. ana
even the north window Is more cheerfu
for their presence. But they are not at
all the thing for the parlor Jardiniere;
this is not only because they are not
adapted in style to such use, out also
because they will not bloom and -four
ish without daylight. Ferns, however,
will thrive in the interior of a room, and
a fern is beautiful and appropriate al
most anywhere. The white japanese
tbe bulb are charming in the right spot
with the right kind of a fiat japanese
dish and right kind Of little stones to
hold them upright. They are best near
the window, but not directly in the
sunshine They are well placed in
north window. Their exquisite fra
GRANGE is an additional charm to all
save those to whom flowers with q
positive fragrance are Objectionable.
Easter lilies are delightful used in the
same way. Azalea bushes are delight
full in light-colored rooms. but they are
seldom long-lived. Plants Of English
violets are also lovely while they last.
which is longer at least by many days
than the cut flowers.
The possessor of a bay window room
can make charming effect by training
about 1t an English ivy.