Chapter I: Foreword

There is nothing which adds so much sunshine and cheer to the rooms of a
house besieged by winter and all his dreary encampment of snow and ice,
as the greenery, color and fragrance of blossoming plants. There is no
pastime quite so full of pleasure and constant interest as this sort of
horticulture; the rooting of small slips, the repotting and watering and
watching, as new growth develops, and buds unfold. Some have the magic
gift, that everything they touch will break into blossom; others
strive--perhaps too hard--only to gain indifferent results. It is hoped
that this book will aid those of the second class to locate past
mistakes and progress to future success; and further that it may
indicate to those more fortunate ones of the first class the way to more
extensive achievements in the work they love.

This is not a technical book; simply an attempt to tell in so plain a
way that they cannot be misunderstood the everyday details of the
successful management of plants in the house and within such small glass
structures as may be made, even with limited means and time, a part of
the average home.

There is another aspect of the case worth considering; so much so in
fact, that it is one of the reasons for writing this book. By the use of
such modest glass structures as almost everyone can afford not only is
the scope of winter gardening enlarged and the work rendered more easy
and certain, but the opportunity is given to make this light labor pay
for itself. Fresh vegetables out of season are always acceptable and
well grown plants find a ready sale among one's flower-loving friends.

CRANMERE, August 1st, 1912.
F. F. R.

CONTENTS