446 Mode of' training the Sweet Pea. 



cutting a broad trench round the wall, which I expected en- 

 closed the roots, but found they had penetrated through several 

 fissures to the full extent of the house. Believing the destruc- 

 tion of these might prove injurious, I had them carefully taken 

 up, the wall removed, and the roots placed upon the ball, and 

 covered with mats, to protect them from injury. The trench 

 was then continued 8 ft. deep, which left the tree upon a square 

 base of marl, which I caused to be stayed on all sides to keep 

 it upright. A cut, 18 in. wide, and 24 in. deep, was then made 

 underneath the roots, from north to south, and one also from 

 east to west, which reduced it to four pillars, that gradually 

 gave way by the weight of the tree, as the base of each pillar 

 was diminished. This was repeated until the tree was brought 

 (without the least shock) to the required depth. The wall 

 was then rebuilt, leaving a space of 9 in. round the wall, 

 which was filled with fresh sandy soil, and the roots spread 

 therein as the wall advanced. This being completed, the 

 trench was then filled with warm oak leaves, diffusing a mild 

 heat through the ball, which was watered by a gentle stream, 

 until the whole mass became saturated ; the house was then 

 kept warm and moist ; and the tree, thus excited, soon exhibited 

 a growth at each extremity that removed all apprehensions for 

 its safety. When the heat of the oak leaves had declined, and 

 a renewal was no longer necessary, I had them removed, and 

 the space filled with broken bricks, to keep it dry ; upon these a 

 walk is formed on a level with the surface of the roots, commu- 

 nicating by steps with the front and back paths of the house. 

 The sides are supported by rockwork, planted with moss, fern, 

 and other umbrageous plants, which has certainly improved the 

 appearance of the palm, and added novelty to the arrangement. 



I was informed by many for whose horticultural skill I have 

 great respect, that I was running great risk of depriving this 

 country of one of its greatest vegetable ornaments, or, at least, of 

 bringing on a sickly appearance, if not sudden death ; but, with 

 confidence in the above arrangements, which I had planned 

 after long consideration, I persevered, and have now the satis- 

 faction to see it flowering for the fourth time in its new situation, 

 and growing as vigorously as ever. 



Hale Hall, Aug. 18. 1837. 



Art. VI. A Mode of trainitig the Stveet Pea in Flofjoer-Gardens. 

 By John Fyffe, Gardener at Milton Bryant. 



The sweet pea is esteemed by most lovers of the flower- 

 garden for its rich profusion of flowers, and the delicate perfume 

 which they put forth after a refreshing shower. We conse- 



