and its probable Uses in Gardening. 407 



defended from frost and heavy rains, particularly the latter, 

 which do so much injury to our half hardy shrubs and trees. 

 There are many other purposes in gardening to which this 

 rind might be applied that will readily suggest themselves to 

 practical men. 



My motive in bringing this article into notice is to serve the 

 public, trusting that it will one day or other become a national 

 benefit. I am, Sir, &c. 



Hamlet Halsay Hawthorn. 

 Mr. Baillie, Drop?nore Gardens. 



Sir, 



Having mentioned this article to several of my friends and 

 acquaintances, they, as well as myself, were of opinion that 

 the rind might be highly useful in horticultural practice, and 

 applied with advantage in a great many ways not enumerated 

 in the above communication. From many that suggest them- 

 selves the following are abstracted : — 



1st, As a durable substitute for the portable marquees in 

 use in the pleasure-grounds of British gardens ; the materials 

 of which, as at present constructed, being inadequate to the 

 purpose to which they are applied, viz. to repel heavy rains 

 and intense sunshine. These tentings may also demand the 

 particular attention of the florist, as affording, in my opinion, 

 excellent materials for protecting tulip beds from heavy rains 

 in winter, by rolling them up and down, as circumstances 

 might require. To stages of carnations, auriculas, &c, they 

 might be applied with advantage either for shade or shelter. 



2dly, Ranges of pine and melon pits and frames might be 

 safely defended from rain and frost by a roll of this kind, as 

 also pots of alpine and other plants that suffer more from wet 

 than cold during our winter months. 



3dly, Portable copings for garden walls might also be con- 

 structed of this article, which would defend peach and apricot 

 blossoms from rain and spring frost. This rind might also 

 prove a good substitute for the wicker protectors now in use 

 for half-hardy trees and shrubs. In the kitchen-garden its 

 utility is also apparent. Beds of such vegetables as are readily 

 injured by frost, by being previously arranged and planted so 

 as to admit of two rolls of this kind, of 4 ft. wide and of any 

 given length, being run along a few hazel or other rods arched 

 across them ; rows of early peas and beans ; beds of cauli- 

 flower, broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, &c, might be readily and 

 securely protected in this way ; and a few square yards of this 

 rind, placed in a favourable quarter of the kitchen-garden, 

 would assist in ripening abundance of tomatoes for a large 



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