GARDENING FOR SMOKY CITIES AND LARGE TOWNS, 733 



dreary, and comfortless appearance, is the remark of every stranger, and yet, 

 in a general way, there is no lack of wealth in the dwellings around, and, 

 doubtless, the means for their impi-ovement would soon be found, if a few of 

 the principal inhabitants would only spare the time, and exert a little energy 

 and taste upon the subject. Let a garden committee be formed in each square, 

 or wherever there is a space of gi-ound needing cultivation, in which the 

 surrounding inhabitants have an interest, and let funds be raised by means 

 of i*ate or subscription. As soon as this is done, let a contract be entered 

 into with some I'espectable nurseryman to keep the inclosure in good order, 

 and gay with shrubs and flowers. 



2285. Many of our large nurserymen would take the contract for a much 

 smaller sum than most persons would imagine, and would find it their interest 

 to keep the place as gay and attractive as possible ; for a square in London, or 

 any of our large towns, would become an excellent advertisement, and tend 

 greatly to increase the business connection of any respectable man. Beyond 

 the trees and large evergreens, everything should be the property of the con- 

 tractor, who would thus have the liberty of bringing in and removing whatever 

 he might think fit. This must be regarded as the most important part of the 

 engagement on both sides ; for very many things, as the whole list of American 

 plants, rhododendrons, kalmias, &c., will flourish well for one season in smoke, 

 but if left longer they would not only cease flowering, but die. It would, 

 therefore, be as much the interest of the committee as of the contractor, that 

 these should be removed late in autumn, and replaced by others the following 

 spring. The inhabitants would thus enjoj'^ a succession of these most beau- 

 tiful spring-flowering plants, and the contractor would sufier no loss in the 

 exchange, as such things, and many others, may be moved at their proper 

 season without the slightest harm. 



2286. Mr. Broome's idea of conservatories for squares might then be car- 

 ried out ; for the contractor would, doubtless, find it his interest to erect some 

 light ornamental building or iron- work for his own convenience, in keeping up 

 a supply of bedding-plants, &c., for the square, and for the window and indoor 

 decorations of the houses around, when all such things would, doubtless, find a 

 ready sale. We accord fully with Mr. Broome's observation. " There is not 

 a square in London that would not be much improved by its little conservatory. 

 Glass is cheap enough now, and the cost of a light ornamental framework of 

 iron would be a mere trifle among our rich citizens who reside in that 

 locality, and they would have an oi-namental object to look upon from their 

 houses. A hot-water apparatus heated with coke would cause no nuisance 

 by way of smoke : in fact, the artificial heat would not be wanted except on 

 very frosty nights, as the air of London is much warmer than that in the 

 country. Birds, gold-fish, and many interesting things, might be introduced 

 to amuse the younger members of the family." 



2287. In the foregoing remarks we have said much about the necessity of 

 well watering, and it must be remembered that deep digging and plentiful 

 manuring are not less essential in the sooty atmosphere of our crowded towns. 



