these plants throughout the winter.

"This first tall, rather stiff-looking plant is called an aspidistra. It
is the best all-around plant for the house or schoolroom. It does not
need much or special care. Be sure to keep the leaves clean. See that
you do it, Miriam.

"This little Norfolk Island pine is the only one of the cone-bearing
trees that you can bank on. Notice that the method of branching is by
whorls. You are to have this plant, Elizabeth.

"I imagined that Eloise would love this little lemon tree called
Ponderosa. You can raise lemon trees from seed, but like the apple
tree, they need special attention before they grow good fruit.

"The Jersualem cherry tree is for Josephine. It does not absolutely need
sun. It, too, stands a great deal of neglect. Remember I am not
recommending neglect to you. I am giving you the house plants that are
of easiest culture. You will be glad to make note of this entire list.
Of course, the berries are the charm of this Jerusalem cherry tree.

"To Ethel I will give this lovely genista. It is the finest of all
yellow-flowered winter plants. As the blossoms fade they should be taken
off. Since this is a good winter flower, it should be allowed to rest in
the summer.

"The azalea is for Dee. It needs the same care as Ethel's plant. These
need not be thrown away next spring. But put them in a shady spot laid
on their sides.

"Helena's plant is a palm called the _Cocos Weddelliana_, and
Katharine's is a fern, the holly fern.

"I wish to tell you a bit about ferns and palms.

"In most school buildings and homes these two kinds of plants hold chief
place. This doubtless is because they, too, stand lack of attention.
Most people keep them water-logged because supposedly they are
accustomed to and need lots of water. We must keep in mind that while
ferns for instance are found outdoors in very damp spots, they are not
in places undrained and choked off from air. So the jardiniere half full
of water does not quite represent the real environment of the fern.

"Going on with the fern there are a few points to hold in mind. Do not
permit the room temperature to fall below 55 degrees. Neither should it
rise above 70 degrees. Direct sunlight injures the delicate fronds of
ferns. A north window where there is light without direct sunshine is
the right fern place. Keep the leaves clean by spraying with clear water
on bright days. If bugs appear, spray weekly with tobacco water. This