226 THE FLORIST. 



them at the base of trees which have naked stems ; and, when 

 mixed with Ayrshire and evergreen Roses, Honeysuckles, and 

 the like, they produce a pleasing effect; none of our common 

 trees so completely answer this purpose as the common Acacia, 

 which grows generally with a naked stem ; and having but few 

 branches, and thin open foliage, is well adapted as a support for 

 the above, and other climbing plants. When managed in the 

 way described, and after a few years' training of the shoots along 

 the principal branches, they will grow in a most delightful state 

 of wildness, and charm us as much by their natural growth as 

 by their beauty and fragrance. Now that pillar Roses are 

 become so fashionable, nothing better can be found than the 

 Acacia for supporting them, and if the head of the tree is an 

 objection, it can be yearly cut back. After planting the trees 

 (which of themselves will grow in almost any soil), holes should 

 be prepared and filled with rich soil, when it would be alone too 

 poor for Roses ; all that is afterwards required will be a few nails 

 and a coil of copper wire to keep up the branches of the climbers 

 as they grow. 



To return from our digression ; where a fence or unsightly build- 

 ing wants hiding quickly, no better plant can be found than the 

 common Traveller's Joy, or Clematis vitalba, which will extend 

 itself over a great surface in a single season. C. florida and 

 azurea are rather tender, but are well worth the protection of a 

 south or east wall, where, if planted in a tolerably rich loam, they 

 will grow freely, and produce their beautiful flowers in abundance. 

 C. cirrhosa is a valuable climber, not so much for its blooms, 

 which, however, are produced through the winter months, but 

 for its bright evergreen foliage. The flowers are bell-shaped, of 

 a greenish Avhite, and form a nice companion for the recently 

 introduced Jasminum nudiflorum, which blooms at the same 

 cheerless time of the year. This should be allowed a south wall, 

 which it deserves. Among the species of Clematis of rather recent 

 introduction, montana is a valuable addition to the list of 

 hardy climbers. This is a plant of robust habit, and will grow 

 almost anywhere ; it should, however, be planted against a wall 

 to bloom it in perfection ; it produces clusters of snowy-white 

 blooms from the joints of the last year's shoots, as well as on 

 spurs from the older wood ; and, when well managed, presents a 

 splendid appearance in the spring, when covered with its numerous 

 crop of white flowers. 



