STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 429 



growth and beauty there is nothing equal to the English Ivy 

 and the wax vine, Hoya Carnosa. An old plant of the latter 

 has been in bloom all winter, sometimes bearing thirty clusters 

 of its waxy flowers at one time. Both these vines need much 

 time to perfect their beauty, and when there is any danger of 

 frost the quicker growing vines are much more satisfactory. Of 

 this class the German ivies are best. It is said by some writers 

 that these are not ivies, but they have so long borne the name 

 we think them entitled to it by possession. 



The variegated German Ivy, ^'Senecio Scandens," is much 

 like the English Ivy in appearance, has thick, glossy leaves, and 

 is a rapid grower. The common German Ivy is the best vine for 

 the wall in partially shaded situations that we have ever seen. 

 It will grow many yards in length and cover a large space in a 

 few weeks. A pretty way to grow this ivy is to train it around 

 an oval frame of wire or rattan of any size you wish, and, when 

 well covered with foliage, take vase and frame to the parlor to 

 decorate a picture. 



For hanging baskets a well grown ivy is very handsome; so 

 also is the Maurandia, and if the three colors, white, pink and 

 purple are grown together the effect is very pleasing. 



Another excellent vine for baskets and a comparatively new 

 one is Pilogyne Suavis. This is a rapid grower. The leaves 

 and tendrils resembling the grape; flowers are small and cream- 

 colored. But of all the vines the Smilax is the daintiest thing 

 for all decorating purposes. Its glossy leaves add grace to every- 

 thiDg it touches. 



The Smilax is prettiest grown in some ornamental pot or box 

 that can be easily moved. Each vine should be trained on a 

 separate string. When needed for decoration, part can be used 

 without injuring the whole. When the vine is well grown take 

 it to the parlor to adorn a picture, or place it at the wiudow at 

 the edge of a lace curtain, taking care not to keep it from the 

 sunshine. 



Another exquisite little vine is the climbing fern, Lygodium 

 Scandens. This is not so common as the Smilax, but wherever 

 grown it is thought to be fully its equal. Its foliage is airy and 

 graceful, and when cut will remain fresh a long time. It is best 

 grown in the manner described for Smilax. 



Besides the climbers there are a large number of trailing vines 

 which are indispensable for baskets or boxes, or in any place 

 where a drapery of foliage is needed. Of all this useful class of 



