TOWN GARDENING 179 



and the thinning should be repeated a week or two later, so as 

 to leave not more than four plants situated at approximately 

 equal distances from each other. A single plant would, in fact, 

 be sufficient, but it is advisable to allow for contingencies. 



TOWN GARDENING 



The principal difficulties which arise in gardening in towns 

 are want of space, poverty of soil, and unsuitable atmospheric 

 conditions. The first is insuperable, the second can be removed 

 by tillage carried out at the proper time, and by the use of well 

 rotted stable manure. Adverse atmospheric conditions are due 

 in part to the fact that the air of large towns contains relatively 

 large quantities of sulphuric acid and carbon, which when 

 deposited choke the pores and injure the texture of the leaves 

 of the plants. Further, the dust and soot-laden atmosphere 

 hinders the passage of sunlight. These effects are most marked 

 during the winter, when there is a greatly increased domestic 

 consumption of coal and gas, coupled with a decrease in the 

 amount of light and heat received from the sun. From this it 

 follows that the plants which suffer most are those the hardy 

 perennials which remain out of doors the whole year round. 



Many annuals and bedding plants may be grown almost as 

 successfully in town gardens as in country and semi-urban districts. 

 The following have shown themselves best able to resist the 

 adverse conditions attaching to a garden in a large town : 

 Coreopsis, Sunflower, Marigold, Nasturtium, Scabious, Clarkia, 

 Nigella, Lupin, Sweet Pea, Mignonette, Virginia Stock, Sweet 

 Alyssum, Larkspur, Hop, Canariensis, Convolvulus, Candytuft, 

 Snowdrop, Crocus, Hyacinth, Narcissus, Iris, Pink, Auricula, Poly- 

 anthus, Wallflower, Aubrietia, Arabis, Hardy Ferns, Ivy, Virginia 

 Creeper, Forsythia, Pyracanthus, Cotoneaster. 



