CLIMBING VINES 177 



The cypress vine is a well-known plant of the morning- 

 glory group, which is sometimes called the Indian Pink. Its 

 original home was in tropical America, and it has been quite 

 generally naturalized in the Southern States, where the wild 

 plants blossom from July to October. On account of its 

 rapid growth and attractive color it is useful as a climbing 

 plant in many sorts of situations. The common form has 

 scarlet flowers, but there is also a white-flowered variety. 



The wild cucumber is one of the most popular annual 

 vines, being extremely useful on account of the rapidity with 

 which it grows and the beautiful effect produced by its leaves, 

 stems, and blossoms. When once established, it will re-seed 

 itself each year, a large number of plants coming up from the 

 seed produced in great abundance in the curious fruit pods 

 that mature during the summer and autumn. It is better to 

 leave the seeds out of doors on the ground where they 

 are scattered than to bring them in-doors through the 

 winter, as they thus seem to produce stronger and healthier 

 plants. If seeds are purchased, they should be soaked in 

 water for several hours before planting; and it is better to 

 plant with the eye of the seed downward. 



As the wild cucumber climbs by means of numerous 

 tendrils which reach out in all directions, it will take advan- 

 tage of almost any support that may be provided. It makes 

 a particularly effective growth when it is planted beside un- 

 sightly dirt piles or rubbish heaps, which it covers and trans- 

 forms into beauty. It also grows effectively upon wire 

 netting and is a desirable plant to use along wire backstops 

 for tennis courts and similar purposes. The leaves, tendrils, 

 and fruits are particularly desirable as objects for drawing. 

 The plant is also called the wild balsam apple. 



