254 THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. [ November, 



short time numerous buds, one from above the scar of each leaf. These form 

 young shoots, which, when an inch or two in length, are taken off with a little 

 heel, and planted as cuttings in sandy earth. They are kept rather close, and 

 under such conditions soon produce roots, and form independent plants. The 

 saine mode of propagation may be adopted with any plants of similar habit. It 

 is, in fact, often had recourse to in the case of Yuccas. G. 



HARDY CLEMATISES. 



'HE great merit of these plants for flower-garden embellishment has been 

 frequently commented on. Having recently seen several instances of beds 

 planted with the new varieties of Clematis, I can add my testimony to that 

 of those who have pronounced these hybrids to be most valuable acquisi- 

 tions. From their hardiness, and their adaptability to the many purposes of garden 

 ornamentation, they assuredly merit an extended cultivation ; while as additions 

 to our materials for bedding-out, they are invaluable. 



In the garden of Mr. Essington, Eibbesford House, Bewdley, there are two 

 magnificent and noteworthy beds which, when I saw them (September 6), were 

 apparently in the height of blooming. It is difficult to imagine anything more 

 strikingly beautiful than they were, or anything that could produce a more 

 gorgeous effect. Being associated with the general arrangement of bedding 

 plants, the superiority of the Clematis was very apparent, the purple bedders 

 being altogether eclipsed by the masses of rich violet purple of C. Jackmani, 

 which is one of the best for bedding purposes. 



The beds were round, about 15 ft. in diameter, and well raised towards the 

 centre. In the centre of one bed, which was planted in 1867, a few stakes about 

 8 ft. in height were placed, and these being well covered with the Clematis, 

 formed a perfect floral pillar, which gave a good effect. The other bed, planted 

 in November, 1868, was equally good. The plants were planted at about 2 ft. 

 apart, and were carefully trained. Some attention is necessary in regard to train- 

 ing, for if the shoots are allowed to become entangled, it is afterwards difficult to 

 get them apart, so as to maintain the perfect proportions of the beds. At Eibbes- 

 ford this had been scrupulously attended to. The plants are annually cut down, 

 and the beds well manured. The soil they do best in is a fight sandy loam, well 

 manured, and liberally watered during the growing season, for on maintaining 

 the plants in a growing condition for the greatest length of time possible, depends 

 in a great measure the continuity of bloom. 



The idea is entertained by many that the blooming season of these 

 plants is not of sufficient duration to warrant their adoption for bedding pur- 

 poses. In this doubt I frankly own to having been at one time a participator, 

 having formed but a vague idea of their capabilities, but I have learned that by 

 judicious treatment the season of flowering may be so prolonged as to do away 

 with any objection on that point. To those who still doubt, I would say give 



