GROUPING. 43 



make them tight. Those wc use are made with a 

 sloping 'roof, the joints battened to keep rain from 

 leaking onto the plant; the sides of light boards, 

 nailed about an eighth of an inch apart, to allow a 

 free circulation of air. The northerly side is in one 

 piece, and is secured by screws : in the middle of 

 this side is a square window, a foot or more wide, 

 which is covered with a piece of white cotton-cloth. 

 The hoiTse is moved on from the southerly side, then 

 the northerly side is screwed on, and the plant is 

 housed for the winter. With this protection, the 

 standards come out in the spring with fresh foliage 

 and in splendid condition. 



When not in use, the houses are stored in some 

 remote shed. 



GROUPING 



Is of great importance for effective display. Tlie 

 different species and varieties differ greatly in habit 

 and foliage. Some are only suitable for the front of 

 the bed ; others look well only in the background. 

 Color of flower also enters as an element in planting 

 for effective display. 



While experience in this must be, in a measure, 

 the teacher, some hints may be given which may 

 prove advantageous. 



Thus, of two fine white-flowered varieties, botli 

 excellent and equally hardy, album elegans is a tall- 

 grower, and only suited for the middle or rear of a 

 bed ; and coriaceum is very dwarf, and in any posi- 

 tion but the front would be lost. 



