292 The Worsted Stocking. [June, 



fluid, would be more liable to injury tban older trees, whicli are com- 

 paratively dry ; but experience teaches us that the exact opposite is 

 true. If some cells are burst in this way, we have no evidence that 

 they do not heal up, as do the clefts in large trees, produced by frost, 

 witljout injury to their vitality. 



But with reference to exotics, it is well known that many tropical 

 plants die, when the temperature is not as low as the freezing point. This 

 cannot be attributed to frost, as none exists, but rather to the inspissa- 

 tion of the fluids of the living plants. I do not mean to say that exotics 

 or even native plants will survive frost under all circumstances, but that 

 frost does not necessarily kill them. If the true cause of the death of 

 plants after (or, as is generally supposed, by) frost, was properly under- 

 stood, means might be devised, in the manner of thawing them, whicli 

 would save such as could be controlled. I do not profess to know how, 

 or to give any " new light " on the subject, but wish only to call the 

 attention of those most interested to it. Such a knowledge can only be 

 acquired by close, constant, accurate and systematic observations, in 

 fall, winter and spring ; and if properly made by our practical horticul- 

 turalists, either as individuals or societies, may result in the saving of 

 thousands of plants and trees annually. 



I would be pleased to see another communication from Mr. E., explain- 

 ing jt)7?3/.';toZo<,'{crt?/3/ how frost kills plants, and how it does not kill them. 

 If he has made observations which will throw light on this subject, 

 which, I insist, is yet very much in the dark, it is not too late to present 

 them through the medium of your periodical, without " consuming time" 

 on this or any other article. Annandale. 



THE ^WORSTED STOCKING. 



A TRUE STOEY. 



*' Tatiier will have done the great chimney to-night, won't he, moth- 

 er? " said little Tom Howard, as he stood waiting for his father's break- 

 fast, which he carried to him at his work every morning. 



*' He said he hoped all the scaffolding would be down to-night," 

 answered the mother, " and this will be a fine sight ; for I never like 

 the ending of those great chimneys — it's risky — thy father's to be the 

 last up." 



"Eh ! then, but I'll go and see him, and help them give a shout afore 

 he comes down," said Tom. 



