MOLLISON, John R. The New Practical Window Gardener being practical directions for the cultivation of flowering and foliage plants in windows and glazed cases, and the arrangement of plants and flowers for the embellishment of the house. Illustrated with coloured plates and wood engravings. iv, 204, [16]pp adverts., 2 colour woodcuts by A.F. Lydon and numerous wood engravings of planting cases and window boxes in the text. A very good copy in original decorative blue gilt cloth. Small embossed W.H. Smith Library stamp on the end-paper. 8vo. Groombridge and Sons. 1879. ~ The later nineteenth century saw a dramatic increase in the popularity of domestic gardening and the cultivation of plants and flowers in the home. Largely a middle-class pursuit, it caught the attention of writers and publishers who recognised and nurtured the growing demand for advice. This detailed guide first appeared in 1877 and was written for those living in towns and cities who, without substantial gardens, cultivated plants mainly in their windows. The author, John R. Mollison, intended for it to be 'understood by all', and advises on matters ranging from suitable vases, window boxes, hanging baskets and soil, to watering methods, insect prevention and the labelling of specimens, while also discussing the health-related pros and cons of keeping plants in the home. It has an alphabetical list of suitable species, and is illustrated with a host of wood engravings.