258 THE TLORIST. 



to tlie margin with orange and rose. The lower ones are deep 

 pink. Large white centre." 



Phaeton was raised by E. Foster, Esq., Clewer Manor, in 

 1852, Wonderful by G. W. Hoyle, Esq., in 1853 ; and from 

 what we know of the constancy of both varieties, they will add 

 fresh laurels to the names of Foster and Hoyle as successful 

 raisers of the Pelargonium. These will be sent out from the 

 Slough nursery. 



WALLS AND THEIR OVERCOATS. 



There is perhaps no subject connected with gardening at the present 

 time on which a careful discussion is more likely to be useful than the 

 protection of fruit trees on walls from the inclemencies of our variable 

 chmate ; and many gardeners will have been pleased to observe that 

 you have given prominence to the subject. That it may be well con- 

 sidered by all who are interested in the matter is much to be desired, 

 and also that they will freely give their aid in furnishing such informa- 

 tion as shall lead to useful and practical conclusions upon the subject. 



Allowing your articles in the early part of the year to pass lor the 

 present, I will briefly review the correspondence they have given rise 

 to ; namely, the letters of Messrs. Ewing, Saul, and "J. M." I may as 

 well mention, however, in this place that the present article was partly 

 written before the last mentioned letter appeared, and which has 

 rendered a portion of my intended remarks unnecessary. 



At the outset I must express a hope that any further discussion may 

 be conducted in a gentlemanly manner; for however much any of us 

 may differ in our ideas with others, we may avoid acrimony without 

 in the least weakening the force of our arguments. 



I will premise, then, that our object is to arrive at a true knowledge 

 of the best mode of protecting the half-hardy fruits we cultivate, 

 according to our experience of the general character of the seasons we 

 are subject to in the present age of the world. All those who have at 

 present entered into the subject admit that some further shelter is 

 necessary at certain seasons than that afforded by a simple wall. It 

 will be then for us to consider how much more, and the description 

 best adapted for the purpose ; whether it should be only temporary, or 

 whether it is an advantage to be able to use it at any part of or all the 

 year ; whether it is generally required, or only in rare cases ; and, 

 finally what is the best, ?'. e., the cheapest and the most effectual, and 

 therefore the most paying mode of affording it. This, we must all 

 allow, is the only proper way of viewing the subject, both by gentlemen 

 and their gardeners, as well as by the growers for market. For, 

 although the gentleman may have, and the gardener may seem to have, 

 extensive and even abundant means at his disposal, it is the interest of 

 the former, and the duty also of the latter, to be as careful in con- 

 sidering the most effective and economical mode of procedure, as if they 



