HERBACEOUS CLIMBERS 29 



particularly, in autumn, when it assumes its glorious 

 autumn tints. The varieties of Vitis vinifera, the 

 European Grape Vine, are most attractive, but there 

 are others of more striking beauty and of greater 

 distinctness. In the table of Hardy Deciduous and 

 Herbaceous Climbers at the end of this work there 

 is a list of some of the finest of these, and space will 

 not allow of detailed descriptions. Any will give 

 pleasure, but among the finest of recent introductions is 

 V. Coignetiae, whose handsome foliage is admired by 

 any one. Its vigorous growth makes it suitable for 

 almost any purpose for which tall climbers are desired. 

 Further reference to the Vine is rendered unnecessary 

 by the " Book of the Grape," published in this series, 

 which may be consulted by those desiring to make a 

 study of these fine climbing plants or who wish to try 

 them as fruiting climbers out of doors. 



The Ampelopsis, or Virginian Creeper, as it is 

 popularly called, is a great favourite with everyone, 

 and the introduction of that known as A. Veitchii, or 

 tricuspidata, whose correct designation is Vitis inconstans, 

 has greatly popularised the family, because of its self- 

 clinging habit, not possessed by A. quinquefolia, or 

 hederacea, the older " Virginian Creeper." There is an 

 effective variety named purpurea, which has darker 

 leaves, assuming an even deeper hue than the ordinary 

 form in autumn. So well known a plant needs no 

 further reference. Another very desirable self-clinging 

 Ampelopsis is A. muralis, which grows rapidly and has 

 large leaves, which are of great beauty of colour in 

 autumn. Another, sometimes sold as A. Hoggii, is 

 really the Japanese form of Rhus Toxicodendron, and 

 pretty as is its crimson and yellow autumnal foliage, it 

 should be avoided by those who are sensitive to the 

 irritant properties of some plants. Coming in contact 

 with it will cause a stinging sensation of a most annoying 



