100 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION. 



can be obtained, they will answer a better purpose. Tender 

 kinds of shrubs, as the Double Hibiscus, Magnolia purpurea^ 

 &c., may be protected, by tying up the branches in a neat 

 manner, and covering them over with straw, and tying it 

 neatly around them. Which see, under the head of Covering 

 and Protecting Plants. 



ART. 13. December. 



Little can be done in the garden this month, except it is a 

 very mild season, when the covering of plants, and the like, 

 may be done, as directed in November. For the manage- 

 ment of the Green-house and Frames, I refer the reader to the 

 articles under these heads. 



CHAPTER VI. 



On the Variations and Motions of Plants. 



AKT. 1. Variations of Plants. 



IN order to diversify the subjects of the " Companion," I 

 have introduced several that are not altogether pertaining to 

 culture ; but which may be interesting to those who are de- 

 sirous of being made acquainted with the different qualities 

 and variations of plants, as their color, monstrous habits, mo- 

 tions, &c. 



ART. 2. Color of Plants and Flowers. 



There is nothing that I am acquainted with in the vegetable 

 kingdom, that is more changeable and deserving of notice than 

 the coloring of plants ; which is different not only in flowers, 

 but also in leaves, roots, seeds, bark, and, indeed, in every 

 part of them. When the earth is clothed with vegetation in 



