1873. ] 



PORTABLE HAND-LIGHT PBOTECTOBS. 



199 



and it was far easier to cover the British species, only three inclies in lieiglit, tlian 

 the American one. 



The Cranberry as an ornamental plant will do well in the clumps of American 

 plants as a carpet in front of the taller plants, and where birds are encouraged 

 these bright red berries will attract them to perfection ; but where the fruit is to 

 be protected, it is no more trouble than Strawberries, and they may be secured 

 in the usual way with some old herring-nets, that will do this work for j^ears. 

 In most kitchen gardens there is either a pump or a water-cock, and usually a 

 good deal of waste water ; now if this could be so directed as to get into the 

 Cranberry bed, it would do all that is needed for the water supply ; and by 

 going to the native habitat and getting sods of the British Cranberry, you will 

 get the plantation complete the first year. With peat and sand and plenty of 

 water, success is certain. 



The American species has to be got from the nurseries, and seems by compari- 

 son made for the Continent, whilst our neat little native seems suited to our isle. 

 Its name when translated signifies Acid Berry, and it does credit to its calling, 

 so much so, that if sugar had not been so cheap, I should not have named tarts 

 made of this native fruit. Smith describes this plant as " depressed," otherwise 

 bowed down, yet it is one of our evergreen shrubs, although only a Bantam — a 

 botanical pet. — Alex. Foesyth, Sa/ford. 



PORTABLE HAND-LIGHT PEOTECTORS. 



C^f HIS is the name given by Mr. Rendle to a very useful form of Plant- 

 ^ViJ) protector, which takes the place of the old hand-light. They are very 

 handy, very light, and easily movable by means of the handle fixed to 

 the middle bar ; and they are thoroughly efficient, since they are warmer 

 than those hand-glasses which have glass sides, while the light admitted by the 

 top glass is sufficient for most purposes for which such a shelter is required. We 

 have found the lean-to form here figured, very useful for the growth of 

 specimens of dwarf half-hardy plants, or plants which do not bear exposure to 

 the parching atmosphere of our summers, and they have this special recommenda- 



