PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS^ CLUB. 61 



parts of the house. Trained to the building itself, the swaying of 

 the branches wears off the paint, and the dense foliage retains too 

 much moisture in wet weather. Rooted plants should first be 

 obtained of the nurseryman or florist, after which they are readily 

 increased by laying down the branches and covering with earth. 

 Some of them grow readily from cuttings : 



Amjpelojpsis quinquefolia (Virginian creeper, American Ivy, or 

 Woodbine), is none the less desirable for growing wild in many 

 parts of the country, often climbing to the tops of tall trees, fast- 

 ening its tendrils, which become rootlets, into the rough bark. It 

 is a rapid grower, preferring a moist soil, but succeeds well in dry 

 places, and is a good plant to cover rough rock work or the side 

 of a stone building. The flowers are of reddish green color, of 

 not much account, the beauty being its foliage, which changes in 

 autumn from a deep green to orange and scarlet, the tendrils and 

 fruit stalks assuming the same rich color. It is entirely hardy, and 

 is increased by cuttings and layers. 



Clematis Virginiana, fiammula., ccerulea, Hendersonii^ etc. (ViF- 

 gin's Bower). — These are rapid growing herbaceous, or partially 

 woody climbers, with white, blue and mixed flowers, some of 

 them very large and handsome. A few of the A^arieties are not 

 perfectl}^ hardy, and should be laid down and covered in winter. 

 Growing ten to twenty feet in a season, they are well adapted for 

 covering screens, walls, etc., and are ornamental in leaf and flower, 

 while the common native sort (Virginiana) has curious masses of 

 seed vessels with feathery appendages, giving it a singular appear- 

 ance. 



Hedera helix (European Ivy). — This woody climber, so prized 

 by the Europeans for covering the stone walls of churches and 

 other buildings, should be more extensively grown in this country. 

 Beside being of a fine deep green color, the foliage frequently 

 remains on during the winter. It clings to rough brick or stone 

 walls without support, forcing its tendrils into the mortar. Brick 

 work should not be painted if to be covered with ivy. It is a 

 i-apid grower, and in a few years will cover the entire walls of a 

 lofty building. 



Lonicera Belgicum hvachypoda, Canadensis, coccinea, sijiensis, 

 sempervirens, etc., (Twining Honeysuckle), — These arc all fine 

 woody climbers, and should be in every yard. If there is room 

 for only three climbers, let one be a Striped Monthly honeysuckle, 

 one a Wistaria, and the other a climbing rose. The L. Belgicum^ 



