ORNAMENTAL CLIMBING PLANTS. 121 



I have brought to your notice such varieties of climbing plants 

 as I am somewhat familiar with. Some are like old and tried 

 friends, others to all appearance good but not so well tried, yet 

 promising well. There are man}', I am aware, that I have not 

 mentioned. I hope in the discussion which is to follow to hear 

 from you about those. 



I think our climbing plants are too much neglected ; why, I do 

 not know. Is it because it is difficult to find a place for them? 

 That has not been my reason for many years ; surely the green- 

 house or garden will afford a place for a climbing plant some- 

 where, and I am glad to observe that there has been a growing 

 tendency to cultivate them. 



Whether they are viewed as trained and elegantly festooned 

 in your window (and this is a part of the subject I have left out 

 entirely) or in the conservatory or on the trellis in front or by 

 the side of jour piazza ; whether running over and covering 

 some old decayed tree or unsightly stone wall or rock ; whether 

 adorning the grounds of the rich merchant or the laborer's humble 

 cottage, or whether their aid is sought in screening your arbor 

 from the rays of the hot summer sun — in any and ever}^ one of 

 these cases what class of plants is there which can be regarded 

 with feelings of greater gratification and satisfaction? 



In conclusion, I may be permitted to say that not a single wall 

 or fence, especially if viewed from the house, and, I will add, no 

 trunk of any tree if not in vigorous growth — in fact no object 

 whatever, capable or that can be made capable of receiving and 

 supporting a plant, should be left uncovered. The free use of climb- 

 ing plants always imparts an air of friendship and freedom, no 

 matter where you meet them — on some lofty tree in the woods, the 

 cemetery entrance, or the portico over your door, or in ain' place 

 wherever they appear. 



Our motto is Progress ; let the beautiful climbing plants receive 

 a larger share than heretofore of our skill and attention, and I am 

 sure we shall be well repaid for the time spent by tneir return of 

 beautiful foliage and flower and grateful shade. 



Discussion. 



"William C. Strong was called on and said that he could add but 

 little to what the essayist had said. As the paper was read, he 

 had reflected how wonderful is the variety of vegetable growth. 



