There is also a dwarf form and other sorts with
variegated ivy leaves that make splendid pot plants. Of the tall sorts
some of the new named varieties, like Sunlight and Moonlight, give
beautiful and very harmonious effects. They will be a very pleasant
surprise to those familiar only with the old bright mixed colors.

_Othonna crassifolia_--This pretty little yellow flowered trailing
plant, sometimes known as "little Pickles" is quite a favorite for
boxes, or as a hanging or bracket plant. It should be given the full sun
but little water in winter. When too long, it it may be cut back freely.
Root cuttings, or the small tufts along the trailing stems, in spring.

_Smilax_--In some ways this is the most airily beautiful and graceful of
all the decorative vines. And it is valuable not only for its own
beauty, but for its usefulness in setting off the beauty of other
flowers. It is very easily grown if kept on the warm side, and given
plenty of root room. Care should be taken to provide green colored
strings for the vines to climb up, as they make a very rapid growth
when once started. The best way to provide plants is to get a few from
the florist late in the spring, or start from seed in February. New
plants do better than those kept two seasons.

_Sweet Peas_--Of late years a great deal has been done with sweet peas
in winter, and where one can give them plenty of light, they will do
well inside. Plenty of air and a temperature a little on the cool side,
with rich soil, will suit them. Start seed in very early fall, or in
winter, according as you want bloom early or late. There are now a
number of varieties grown especially for winter work such as Christmas
Pink, Christmas White, etc. Five or six varieties will give a very
satisfactory collection. The fragrant, beautiful blossoms are always
welcome, but doubly so in winter. Do not let the flowers fade on the
vines, as it increases the number of flowers to have them taken off.

_Thunbergia_--The Thunbergia, sometimes called the "butterfly plant," is
the best all-round flowering vine for the house. The flowers are freely
produced, average an inch to an inch-and-a-half across, and cover a wide
range of colors, including white, blue, purple, yellow and shades and
combinations of these. Its requirements are not special: keep growing on
during summer into a somewhat bushy form, as the vines will grow rapidly
when allowed to run in the house. It can be grown from seed but