1873.] MR. CHAPMAN S ICE-BOX. 171 



maintain its beautiful colour bettei* than will Pinus insignis^ or that will form a 

 quicker or better shelter or wind-breaker in exposed situations a distance from the 

 sea. To be sure, after the scorching north-east frosty winds of March the leaves 

 on the windward side will sometimes become scorched a little, but so would any 

 other evergreen, even the furze-bush or the common native holly and ivy. 



A row of Pinus insignis, alternating with Cech-us Deodara^ was some years 

 ago planted on the side of a very steep, high, brashy, dry hill ; a cutting through 

 the base of the hill had formerly been made for a road, and a heavy stone wall 

 was built against the side of the hill some 16 ft. or 18 ft. high. A few feet from 

 the top of this wall the trees in question were planted. Both the Pine and 

 Cedar grew well for several years, but within the last few years the pine trees 

 have completely met, overgrowing the cedars and killing nearly all of them, 

 the tops only of some three or four being now to be seen ; while the Pinus 

 has made a thick and most formidable hedge — as thick as could possibly be seen 

 or desired — from the earth's surface to a height of 30 ft. or more, and this 

 within a few hundred yards of the open sea, and in a drafty wind-cutting 

 vale. Here we have proof that this tree is most valuable as a quick-growing 

 shelter-tree, in bleak, drafty situations round our coasts, from South-East to 

 North-West. 



That the Pinus insignis does not do generally well on a chalky subsoil, or 

 many miles inland, or will not, inland, stand such frosts as we had in 1837 and 

 1860-1, unless it is planted on the western aspect, sheltered by trees or woods, or 

 planted in openings found or formed in plantations, is, moreover, pretty generally 

 known ; but for securing shelter in bleak, cutting situations near the coast, I have 

 not seen any other tree so valuable and so noble, not only from its being a rapid 

 grower, but also from its beautiful and distinct colour. The hedge above referred 

 to I have watched for years. Of course, it was not planted for a hedge, but for a 

 grand row of trees ; nevertheless, a few years has made a thick, wide hedge of it, 

 such as cannot be seen through, and that in a very bleak and exposed situation. 

 — James Babnes, Exmouth. 



MR. CHAPMAN'S ICE-BOX. 



'HE accompanying woodcuts (which we borrow from the Gardeners 

 Chronicle) represent an article of domestic use which will be thoroughly 

 appreciated at this season of the year. It is an economical and most 

 ^ thoroughly efficient ice-box, designed and constructed by our friend, W. 

 Chapman, Esq., of Nottingham, and one which can readily be made by any 

 ordinary workman who is at all handy at carpentry. It consists, as will be seen 

 from the engravings, of two boxes, one set within the other, so that a thick layer 

 of sawdust comes between them. The ice is, of course, kept in the inner box, 

 and 4he two chief points which render the contrivance eflScient, are that provision 

 is made to keep the ice dry, and that it is secured against contact with the 

 atmosphere. Of the efficiency of this utensil no better proof can be needed than 



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