2 1 2 Culture of the Neapolitan Violet. 



when the trees are afterwards gradually thinned, that is, not 

 suddenly exposed ; indeed, it is the only way [except Mr. Cree's] 

 to get fine timber free from knots, for the lower branches decay 

 while the trees are young, and the parts where they grew are 

 soon healed over, which is seldom the case with trees pruned 

 in age. Although this is the best way to get trees with fine 

 stems, still it is in some degree objectionable to treat ornamental 

 plantations in this manner ; for the grand object with them is to 

 endeavour, if possible, to preserve the under branches on the 

 trees. However, by the want of light and air, as already men- 

 tioned, this misfortune often happens to the trees, and many vain 

 attempts are made to replenish their beauty. I have been sur- 

 prised to see how foolish some of these ways are : for instance, 

 it is not unusual to see larch, and other kinds of trees which 

 cannot endure the shade, planted under old beeches and oaks, 

 where the sun's rays cannot penetrate ; I have also seen branches 

 cut and bent to the ground, and stunted trees cut down with 

 a view to their springing up afresh. All this seems to be done 

 without ever considering that the surrounding trees had lost 

 their branches, and that the herbage below had died off, for want 

 of air. From what I have just stated, the folly of endeavouring 

 by such means to get up wider-cover ; as it is called, must be 

 obvious. 



I do not pretend to say that old plantations cannot be reple- 

 nished below ; but, before this can be done with any success, 

 light must be admitted by cutting down some of the trees, and 

 then planting such trees and shrubs as will grow in the shade. 

 The hazel, laurel, privet, &c, are good for this purpose; and it 

 ought to be borne in mind, that no kind of tree or shrub should 

 be planted which will not bear to be repeatedly cut down. 



Cosset/ Hall Gardens, Feb. 9. 1842. 



Art. VII. On the Culture of the Neapolitan Violet. By E. S. 



I have just been potting some Neapolitan violets; and, as I have 

 often seen it done without success, those of your readers who are 

 fond of them may not think it loss of time to peruse these re- 

 marks. 



Neapolitan violets are frequently potted in the autumn, and 

 plunged in a frame exposed to the sun, to preserve them throuo-h 

 the winter. Formerly I did so, and sometimes have had good 

 pots of flowers, but more frequently bad ones. I therefore 

 determined to pursue a different course, and by doing so I have 

 never beendisappointed. 



