42 The yotirnal of Forestry. 



chievous animals rarely do them any injury ; but, on the other hand 

 if small weakly plants be put out in the coverts, and the plants not 

 sufficiently protected at first, they are almost certain to prove dis- 

 appointing to the planter, either through hares and rabbits devouring 

 them, or through want of sufficient soil in which to grow vigorously 

 in and develop strong flower spikes ; pampas grass requires gross 

 feeding, and the richer the soil the stronger and more numerous will 

 be the flower spikes produced. Even after the plants have been 

 established in their permanent quarters they will derive great benefit 

 from a covering of leaf mould or other enriching material being spread 

 over the surface around each plant every autumn. 



Arundo consjjicua, another fine ornamental plant, though not quite 

 so hardy as the pampas grass, and scarcely so vigorous a grower, but 

 none the less graceful on that account. It has one advantage over 

 the latter by coming into bloom a month or two earlier, and in conse- 

 quence its graceful inflorescence is not so liable to be destroyed by 

 rough winds and wet weather ; while unfortunately the pampas grass 

 does not open its flowers until bad weather has generally begun. In 

 the southern and western counties Arundo conspicua stands the winters 

 without protection, but further north it is not likely to succeed so 

 well unless some protecting material be used to ward off severe frosts. 



Arundo donax. — This is a very desirable tall-growing reed, giving a 

 striking effect when associated with a pond^or stream of water ; it also 

 shows off to great advantage in pleasure-grounds amongst low- 

 growing shrubs. A variegated form of this can be had of a still more 

 ornamental character ; it is, however, hot so hardy and is less vigorous 

 in growth. The above Arundos should receive the same treatment 

 when planting as the pampas grass ; a little more protection will be 

 necessary to keep them alive during very severe winters, especially in 

 the northern counties, or in low-lying damp situations ; a rich soil 

 and a porous subsoil on a dry and slightly raised site is the most suit- 

 able position to ensure healthy and strong plants able to withstand 

 severe frosts. G. B. 



