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in its effect, nor pleasing, but much the reverse. On the other hand, when 

 we see it stealing over and taking possession of the trunk and branches 

 of an old, time-worn tree, the special character of which is gone, and thus 

 presenting to view a varied ivy tree, studded with its tufted blossoms, we have 

 an object most pleasing and picturesque. 



Compost for Plants. 

 Perhaps I ought to name the kind of compost suitable to be used in 

 planting young plants in situations where the soil is not naturally good. I 

 believe nothing is more suitable for the growth of plants, generally, than sods, 

 taken from a loose or kind loamy pasture, an inch to two inches thick, and 

 laid on a heap to decay. This compost would be usable after lying twelve 

 months, but would be equally good for several years ; and if the sod is taken 

 from light land, and mixed with decaying leaves of equal quantity, with 

 the addition of one-eighth of river sand, such a compost would be a good 

 substitute for peat soil for the growth of rhododendrons, heaths, and many 

 other plants commonly called bog plants, especially if a little real peat was 

 first put around the roots, to start their growth. The above compost, in 

 either case, would be improved by the addition of a moderate quantity of 

 decayed stable manure. 



To Protect Tender Plants. 

 Beds of tender plants, such as monthly roses, may be protected from 

 severe weather by pricking in amongst them short branches of whins, or 

 different kinds of firs, especially the spruce and silver, or with common 

 heaths. Small single plants, also, may be secured against the inclemency 

 of the weather by three or four branches being set round each plant. These 

 retain their greenness pretty well all winter, and do not appear disagree- 

 able, — at least, not nearly so much as when the plants are bound round with 

 matting, or covered with basket work in the usual way. 



To Destroy Weeds in Walks. 

 When walks become by any means so neglected as to be overrun with 

 mosses and small grasses, or other weeds, too tedious to hand-weed, they may 

 be destroyed by pouring upon them a moderate quantity of boiling water 



