APPENDIX. 371 



from spring frosts, nothing can be better than -wicker-work coverings, 

 like that shown at c in fig. 69. The evergreen Magnolias, the Austra- 

 lian Acacias, and similar half-hardy trees, and the more delicate kinds 

 of pines and firs, may be protected in the same manner; while the 

 smaller half-hardy shrubs, such as the Cistuses and Helianthemums, may 

 be protected by the smaller coverings shown at d and e ; and plants 

 against a conservative wall, such as China-roses for early flowering, may 

 be protected by the coverings shov^^n at a and b. These coverings may 

 be made of plaited rushes, sewed together ; and making them will afford 

 excellent employment for poor women and childi-en in autumn. 



Conclusion. 



The above observations may be rather considered as hints to amateur 

 florists, than as directions for the management of a flower-garden ; but 

 they will be useful to those who take an interest in the subject ; and to 

 those who do not, no directions, however ample they may be, will be of 

 any avail. No one, in fact, can ever make a good gardener, who has not 

 a sincere love for plants ; and I cannot conclude better than by adding, 

 in the words of Eay, who wrote on flower-gardens about two hundred 

 years ago : — 



"The love of such a master will keep each tender plant alive his care 

 and skill have collected ; for never was any art or excellence liked or 

 loved by the ignorant ; it is knowledge that begets aff"ection, and affec- 

 tion increaseth knowledge. Love was the inventor, and is still the main- 

 tainer of every noble science. It is chiefly that which hath made my 

 flowei's and trees to flourish, though planted in a barren desert, and hath 

 brought me to the knowledge I now have in plants and planting ; for, 

 indeed, it is impossible for any man to have any considerable collection 

 of noble plants to prosper unless he love them ; for neither the goodness 

 of the soil, nor the advantage of the situation, will do it without the 

 master's affection : it is that which animates and renders them strong 

 and vigorous ; without which they will languish and decay through 

 neglect, and soon cease to do him service." 



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i- BRADEDRY AKD EVANS, PRINTEIIS, WHITEFRIARS. 



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