VINES 59 



to this sort of thing ; they call Ampelopsis Boston Ivy, 

 Cobcea scandens is their Cup and Saucer Vine, and Cissus 

 discolor they have named the Climbing Begonia, as if there 

 were not true Begonias that are climbers ! In this country, 

 when we speak of Vines we mean Grape Vines, although 

 there is a tendency to describe as Vines all the species 

 of Vitis, which is as illogical as it would be to call all 

 Pyruses pears, or all Prunuses plums. 



The Vine is a king among climbing plants. Where it 

 grows wild it clings to tall trees, covering them with a 

 luxuriant canopy of handsome foliage and fruiting abun- 

 dantly. Man has tamed it and made it contribute both 

 food and drink. How he has succeeded, everybody knows. 

 Here we are to consider the Vine only as an ornamental 

 climber, in which aspect it is still a king. Gardeners appear 

 to overlook its claims, except as a producer of grapes. If 

 only they would plant it where it could have full liberty 

 of growth, against buildings, arches, arbours, pergolas, 

 verandahs, trees, or to run along the top of an old 

 wall, the charm of its stems and leaves would perhaps 

 enlighten them. In autumn the colours of the leaves equal 

 those of any oak, thorn, or maple, whilst at all times their 

 form is delightful, to the artistic eye at any rate. 



There is a variety, called purpurea, which has leaves 

 of port-wine colour, especially in autumn, and another, 

 called lacmtosa, with elegantly slashed leaves. But one 

 need not trouble about varieties, except perhaps for ex- 

 posed positions, where Royal Muscadine, or Chasselas 

 Vibert, or Grove End Sweetwater would most likely do best, 

 and with good fortune these would probably bear bunches 

 of palatable fruit. Indeed, the varieties of the Grape Vine 

 are very numerous. It is said that the French Government 



