CULTIVATION 25 



or potting sheds. Corridors were a feature of importance 

 in the old South Kensington Garden, and at Chatsworth 

 they are still important because of their extent and the 

 large variety of climbers they contain. The Chatsworth 

 corridors were copied at the Crystal Palace by Sir Joseph 

 Paxton, and forty years ago these also contained an inter- 

 esting collection of greenhouse climbers. In the Botanic 

 Gardens at Edinburgh and at Cambridge there are 

 large corridors, richly furnished with climbers. The late 

 Mr. Joseph Chamberlain was justly proud of the corridor 

 which connected his house with his orchid and other 

 greenhouses at Highbury. It had a tiled floor, was lit by 

 electricity, whilst climbing plants on each side, with hang- 

 ing baskets overhead, furnished it. It was a delightful pro- 

 menade in which those who wished could talk and smoke 

 comfortably, whilst others interested in the contents of the 

 plant houses could go their own way without a guide. 



Climbers intended to cover a large area must be pro- 

 vided with plenty of root room. Just as grape vines are 

 treated liberally with respect to soil, so all strong growing 

 climbers must have proper provision for root extension. 

 Fortunately many of them are able to forage on their own 

 account, for it is not unusual to find roots intended to 

 occupy a small amount of space growing out under stages 

 and into paths, and even through the outside walls to 

 the soil beyond. Plants that succeed in doing this are 

 almost capable of looking after themselves. At the same 

 time proper borders should be made in which the drain- 

 age and soil are sufficient to provide what the plant re- 

 quires, and to keep it healthy. In corridors where the 

 floor is tiled or flagged a border 2 feet wide should be 

 made. As far as the welfare of the plants can be con- 



