26 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



such as the Rhododendron arloreum, and the other species that are 

 likely to suffer from full exposure. It is not only during actual 

 frost that this protection will be needed, but also whenever the 

 cutting east winds are prevalent. In the latter case, it is often 

 advisable to protect with the canvas only that side of the shrub next 

 the wind, the other being left open. Some of the Cistus family are 

 liable to perish in water if the soil is wet, or the situation is very 

 exposed, and to these beautiful shrubs the kind of covering here 

 suggested is very suitable. In dry soils a few branches of fir, laurel, 

 or other common evergreens, will often be found a sufficient pro- 

 tection for many dwarf shrubs and half-shrubby plants. Where it 

 may be occasionally necessary to completely cover half-hardy plants 

 of moderate size, such as the Cantua dependens and Mitraria coccinea, 

 a cylinder, formed of two or three hoops connected by a few upright 

 roots, and covered with tarred canvas, will be found of great service. 



If preferred, the skeleton of the frame might be constructed of 

 galvanized or painted iron wire, which would last many years, if 

 strongly made. A top to the cylinder will be essential, and this 

 being separate, will allow of air being admitted in mild weather 

 without disturbing the entire protector. If additional warmth is 

 required — and for the two plants we have named it will be desirable 

 — the cylinder may be covered with a piece of matting, before 

 attaching the outer canvas ; this last should invariably be tarred or 

 painted, or it will soon rot ; in its stead oil-cloth may be used, but 

 the canvas is considerably the cheapest. 



The cost of such cylinders as we have described, three feet high 

 and eighteen inches in diameter, need not exceed sixpence each ; 

 and they may be constructed by any person possessing the smallest 

 modicum of mechanical genius, and in any locality where a few 

 stout osiers, a bit of canvas, and a little tar are attainable. 



Herbaceous and Bolbous Plants. — Practically, these two 

 divisions may be classed together, and their protection is very simple. 

 In most cases, an eight-inch pot filled with hay will be a sufficient 

 protection for such roots as the Salvia patens, Oupkea strigillosa, 

 Anomatlieca cruenta, and nearly all the Cape bulbs. 



It is usual to employ in these cases a mulching of half-rotten 

 manure, but this is, in our opinion, very objectionable, as it soon 

 becomes saturated with moisture, which it retains for a long period. 

 Leaves are open to the same objection unless they can be kept dry, 

 which may be done by placing a slate or tile over them : this will 

 not only keep the leaves in their places, but afford in itself additional 

 protection. Small heaps of coal-ashes are sometimes placed over 

 tender roots, and if screened from wet by covering them with a 

 large pot, these are very efficient protectors. We have seen saw- 

 dust used for the same purpose ; but no worse substance could be 

 employed, unless it is kept dry by covering ; when exposed to wet, 

 it loses entirely its protective character. Por bulbs or plants 

 requiring only slight protection, a furzey branch or two, pegged 

 down, is one of the best and simplest coverings ; and this material 

 will be found exceedingly useful for beds of half-hardy bulbs, as 

 well as for placing between patches of autumn-sown annuals in 



