A Descent into Particulars 77 



in rich soil that they choke the roses. Some people use peren- 

 nial phlox among rose bushes so as to carry bloom into the 

 autumn. 



Another useful plant is the hop vine, which transplants 

 easily, increases rapidly at the root when well established, and 

 covers a wall, trellis or an arbor with graceful festoons bear- 

 ing the pale green fruiting calyxes. Among other green vines 

 the Virginia creeper stands out preeminently for use in a se- 

 vere climate or exposed situation. It takes some time to get 

 established, but once started, there is no limit to the growth. 

 It needs some sun, plenty of fertilizing, as much or little water 

 as you wish to give, but above everything severe pruning each 

 autumn, and the result is wonderful. Our cottage is com- 

 pletely clothed with it, and I give an illustration of the way the 

 vine looks after pruning in the autumn. It covers the screen 

 at our front door without interfering with opening the door; 

 and it is often amusing to see how puzzled people are about 

 entering through a vine. We also contrived a way to use the 

 creeper over a trellis built on a back piazza. Holes were cut 

 in the floor near the house, the vines were drawn up through 

 them and fastened to the wall and then trained over the trellis, 

 to give shade to a table where we take our meals al jresco. 

 The drip from the roof supplies the vines with sufficient mois- 

 ture, and though they do not thrive as well on this north wall 

 under such unusual conditions, they make a gradual growth 

 each year. 



There is needless prejudice against covering a shingled or 

 frame cottage with Virginia creeper, because it is said to rot 

 the walls. We have found this is not true. Sixteen years ago, 

 when we took our old house, the frame was newly shingled, 

 and where the vine is close and thick near the roof, the 

 shingles are still new and fresh looking; elsewhere they have 

 turned a silvery gray. The leaves, extending outward, act 



