CHAPTER XI. 



THE IVY FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES. 



The Ivy might be called the poor man's vine, for, like the Wilson Strawberry, 

 it will grow for almost every one. It is the easiest of all the vines for indoor 

 use, both in growing and for training, and not a little of its merits as a favorite 

 window plant are its permanency, for it will live long in one pot without change 

 of soil or position. It accommodates itself to all temperatures save that below 

 freezing, and when in full growth it adds more grace to the window than any 

 plant yet used. 



The English Ivy (Iledera helix) is what is styled a rooted climber, as from 

 every little joint roots will spring out and take hold of any support. This is 

 one great advantage of value over other climbing vines which must be trained. 



It is hardly adapted to our severe wintry climate, and will not live out of 

 doors unless covered with straw. This renders its use for windows a necessity, 

 and who that has ever gazed upon its glossy green leaves, drooping with long 

 garlands of graceful verdure, but has felt it well deserved to be named the most 

 beautiful of all drawing-room plant decorations. A writer speaks of the affec- 

 tion with which it is esteemed in German houses : " It becomes as one of the 

 family. Sometimes the whole side of a parlor is covered with it, and twining 

 around over picture frames, or looped about brackets, drooped over statuettes, 

 the portraits of father, mother, and cherished friend, look forth smiling from 

 the leafy environment. Small articles of vertu gleam here and there, touched 

 with it, framed about mirrors or doors, each heart-shaped dark evergreen leaf, 

 instinct with loveliness, adds to them all increased beauty. Wherever it goes it 

 makes a green, perpetual summer of indoor life." 



Another writer, viewing it in a poetic view, says: "A single root has been 

 known to wreathe a bow window with thick garlands, and then strike off into 

 lovely, independent paths along picture cords and above cornices, till the room 

 seemed all a-bud, like Aaron's rod. It will cover a screen of wire, curtain 

 curtainless window, festoon a pillar, frame a favorite picture, (and what more 

 graceful or delicate frame could be desired ?) arch a door, climb and twist about 

 a window-sill, and swing in long-looped tendrils from a bracket. There is no 

 end to its beautiful uses. 



" Tickle it with a little guano, and how it frolics. Nip off the terminal shoots, 

 and lo, two bright, persistent tendrils shoot forth, and curl and twine about your 

 very fingers. Wash its dusty leaves, and no child could look more gratefully in 

 your face. It harbors no vermin, encourages no blight, but steadily and sweetlj 



