ORNAMENTAL CLIMBING PLANTS. 115 



well kuown, and many here can speak of them more instructively 

 than I can, with m}' limited experience. While in Cambridge I 

 tried to grow grapes in the greenhouse, but the success was not 

 satisfactory ; finally they were removed, and I planted a rose bush 

 to take the place of each vine in the old vine border. 



The roses were all grafted on the Manetti stock, some five feet 

 high, so as to admit of their being diawn through the old holes 

 where the vines had been, and reach the wires on which they were 

 to run. This border was entirely outside; I always covered it 

 sufficient.y to keep out the frost, and allowed the plants to rest as 

 long as they would, which was generalh' till the latter part of 

 March, when the sun was getting higher each da^^ This plan 

 proved very satisfactory-. The varieties were Marechal Niel, Bon 

 Silene, Safrano, Lamarque, and Solfaterre. 



Other climbing plants that might be added to this list will 

 undoubtedl}' suggest themselves to you ; so I pass on to spend a 

 short time with the climbing annuals and see what we can find 

 there. Among them are many that are useful and beautiful. A 

 very familiar one to you all is Cobcea scandens and C. scandens 

 varieyata; these will run from fifteen to tliirty feet in a season, if 

 the seed is sown in March in gentle heat and transferred to four- 

 inch pots. This method of culture will save several weeks' time in 

 spring. 



Maurandjas usually grow about ten feet, and flower in great 

 profusion. I have seen a circle of cedar poles placed in the 

 ground and drawn together at the top with Maurandyas twining 

 over them, which made a handsome centre for a large bed. Eccre- 

 mocarpus longiflorus and E. scabra are handsome climbers seldom 

 growing more than six feet ; the flowers are orange colored. The 

 plants should be started earl}' in March, in gentle heat. 



The Thunbergias are very prett}^ climbing plants of rapid 

 growth and free blooming qualities. The red spider likes them ; 

 but in a shady place, where the}' get only the morning sun, they 

 will thrive ; and a free use of the syringe will be a great help to 

 their growth. I once saw the side of a north piazza covered in 

 this way, and the effect was ver}- handsome. 



Tropgeolums are well kuown to j'ou all. I have seen them 

 planted on the top of a steep bank, and when thus placed and well 

 cared for they are ver}' effective, as their bright flowers form a rich 

 contrast with the grass. For trellis work and verandas they are 



