304. Essays. 
I have selected from the plants I have growing the names of such as are 
deserving a place in the garden; I have many other varieties that would 
hardly repay the trouble of growing. I have also omitted any mention of 
plants such as the Fuchsias, Geraniums, and herbaceous plants, because 
they are well known, and a description of them would take too much room. 
I send a sketch of the shelter I have adopted for protecting tender 
plants in winter from frost. In form it is like the top of a basket, and is 
supported at a height to allow of sufficient air and light to the plant by 
three or four stakes driven into the ground. A little frost will find its way 
through the wickerwork to the plant, which I think an advantage, as tending 
to harden the plants by degrees. I have mine made of split supplejacks, but 
willows will do as well, care being taken that it is not too open. I have never 
found plants damp off with this covering. 
I have a few words to say as to the destruction of that pest of all pests, 
sorrel,—one which appears to flourish all the better for the attention it 
receives in digging it up and carefully collecting its roots. During the last 
few years I have tried many of the recipes to get rid of this enemy to the 
garden, but to no[purpose; at last I thought I would try constant hoeing 
during the summer, which I have done for two seasons, and found it answer 
well Isimply hoe the ground very shallow on a dry day so soon as the 
weed makes its appearance—a few hours’ hot sun dries it up. This plan T 
have found the most effective one I have tried, for many beds are quite free 
from it, and in every place it was so treated it is fast disappearing. 
In concluding this paper, I may be allowed to hope that the information 
contained in it will lead to a more general cultivation of the coniferous 
trees in this country. I am quite aware that many of the rarer varieties are - 
not so easily obtained in this colony. To those wishing to procure them, I 
would say, you can procure most of them from the nurseries in Australia. 
It has always been a matter of deep regret to me that the Government of 
the colony, in former years, did not establish a botanical garden for the 
collection and propagation of trees and plants from different countries. Had 
such been done, New Zealand might now possess one of the finest public 
gardens, which would be a credit and pleasure to its inhabitants, and a source 
of utility in providing them with plants of a beautiful character. Perhaps, 
when peace is once more restored to the Northern Island, we may hope to 
see some advance made in that direction. 
In conclusion, I will say to those who may peruse this paper, Be 
merciful to any faults that are in it. It has no pretension to be written 
by a botanist, but simply by a lover of plants. Many, no doubt, are in the 
same position as myself; and if they will give the result of their experience 
as amateur gardeners to the public, they will be doing good service. 
