206 DESCRIPTION O'J A PLANT PROTECTOR. 



steam or ammonia is prevented from passing off by a covering of 

 slates. In this state it is allowed to remain fifteen or sixteen days, 

 and is then mixed with about an equal quantity of fresh loam, and, 

 when the mixing is completed, the heap is at last covered with loam. 

 At the end of a month or five weeks it is turned over three or four 

 times, in order that the dung and loam may incorporate well toge- 

 ther. At the end of twelve months it is fit for use. To twt> barrow- 

 fulls of this compost is added one of leaf-mould and a peck and a 

 half of silver sand. 



By the above attention plants are obtained of the most healthy and 

 vigorous growth, two to four feet high, and three to four in diameter, 

 unique in form, and so clothed with fine foliage, down to the rim of 

 the pot, that not a stem is seen. 



When bees are allowed to enter the house, they injure the petals 

 and disfigure the flowers ; to prevent this gauze blinds are used. 



ARTICLE II. 



DESCRIPTION OF A PLANT PROTECTOR. 



BY MR. MAJOR, LANDSCAPE GARDENER, KN0STHORPB, NEAR LEEDS. 



Tiie annexed sketch is a contrivance of ours for shading or otherwise 

 protecting various out-door plants, which answers the purpose so ad- 

 mirably that we think it well worthy of publicity. It is simply half 

 a common garden-pot (the pot being bisected lengthwise before being 

 submitted to the kiln), twelve inches in diameter, and fourteen inches 

 high (but the dimensions of course may vary according to conveni- 

 ence), of the same width from top to bottom. It may be used in various 

 ways, either erect or longitudinally,* and thus afford a complete 

 shelter to anything newly planted from scorching sun, driving winds, 

 or beating rains; in some cases where required it will be found ad- 

 vantageous to place two with their mouths together, so as to entirely 

 shut up the plant. Their application is universal, their usefulness 

 endless, and their cost so trifling that no garden ought to be without 

 them. 



Whilst I am upon this subject I may mention a simple, but I be- 

 lieve effectual, method of protecting tender roses in masses, as prac- 



* When the plant is low, so as to be contained under the curved hollow with- 

 out pressure. 



