36 OPERATIONS OF GARDENING. PART I. 



GRASS CONSERVATORIES OR BETEL HOUSES. 



Some time ago the happy thought occurred to Dr. Anderson 

 that structures, somewhat similar to those in which the 

 natives of Bengal have from time immemorial grown the Pan 

 or Betel plant, might be employed with advantage in the culti- 

 vation of plants that in nature exist in a climate nearly alike to 

 that in which the Betel does. The attempt was made, and 

 proved a wonderful success. The structure in itself is a very 

 simple and inexpensive thing. On a piece of ground, measured 

 out according to the space required, stout bamboos are driven 

 at intervals, so as to stand erect about six Te*et and a half high. 

 To these a lattice of split bamboos is attached, much in the way 

 in which inclosures for fowls are usually made, the lattice only 

 being very much more open. Over the whole lattice, on the 

 sides as well as top, a layer of Ooloo grass is bound ; just so 

 thin as to allow the sunlight to pass through in a subdued 

 degree. Stages of bamboo,* or better of brickwork, about three 

 feet from the ground, will be required to rest the plants on, 

 with room left for paths around or between them. The adoption 

 of structures such as this has opened out to the gardener quite 

 a new world, enabling him now to cultivate numberless plants, 

 which previously it had been all but hopeless to attempt. To 

 render the Betel-house, containing valuable plants, secure from 

 depredators of all kinds, a stout tall bamboo fence placed at 

 some distance round it, with a padlocked gate, would be desir- 

 able. The fence might be made highly ornamental in itself by 

 having creepers and climbing plants trained on to it. 



DECORATIONS. 



There are few opportunities available for the decoration of an 

 Indian garden, except in the means employed for supporting 

 creeping and climbing plants. 



For this purpose sometimes a single bamboo pole is inserted 

 in the ground, with two strong pieces of wood on its summit, 

 fastened horizontally, and crossing at right angles. This has 

 an exceedingly pretty effect with a plant like Bignonia grand i- 

 flora trained up it, and letting its large clusters of blossom hang 

 suspended from the crossbars. A similar pole also, surmounted 



