172 



()r)ia)nent(d A/intial CUmbins' I'^lnccrs, 



taste may suggest. In a previous volume (V. p. 252,) we 

 gave an engraving of one for training verbenas, which might 

 answer a very good purpose ; but perhaps flat ones would 

 be preferable for taller-growing plants. The stake in the 

 centre should be about three feet high, and half an inch 

 in diameter ; and through this the rattan should pass, first 

 making jioles at proper distances with a common awl. 

 Those who wish to cultivate climbing plants in this way, 

 will find no trouble in making trellises which will answer 

 every purpose. Before using them, they should be painted 

 green. 



But our object is now to describe all the most desirable 

 climbers for the open garden, with the hope that, as they 

 will thus be rendered better known, and the difiiculties in 

 regard to their cultivation removed as much as possible, 

 they may be more generally introduced into our gardens. 



Before naming the several plants, we will offer some re- 

 marks on the method we have generally adopted in growing 

 annual climbers. We have alluded to the plan once or twice 

 when speaking of that splendid gem, the cypress vine; but as 

 it may not be sufficiently understood by all, we will explain 

 by the aid of an engraving. {,fig. 8.) 

 In this plan, a strong stake eight 

 or nine feet long, and two inches in 

 diameter at the base, is driven into the 

 ground sufficiently deep (eighteen to 

 twenty inches) to prevent the wind 

 from having any effect upon it un- 

 less very violent ; fifteen or twenty 

 inches from the centre of this stake, 

 describing a circle, should be put 

 down eight or more strong forked 

 pegs ; these may be cut from the 

 branches of trees, and should be full 

 fifteen inches long. On the top of 

 the stake, a neat frame ten inches in 

 diameter should be fastened ; this may 

 be easily made by nailing together 

 thin strips of board, as shown in the 

 plan. If this is considered too much trouble, a hoop may be 

 substituted, first nailing two strips across the centre, each 

 way, in order to fasten it to the stake. The whole, when com- 

 pleted, should be painted green. Itwillthenbeready for form- 

 ing a pyramid for the plants : this is done by passing strong 



