THE MISSION OF THE VINE 



Mesembr^anthemum crysiallinwn and Mesembryanthemum 

 cequilaterale. These very showy varieties are much used for 

 terracing and for side hill slopes ; and there are a half-dozen 

 other sorts, of extreme delicacy of appearance which are 

 most effective upon walls overhanging the sidewalk, or 

 even, as I have seen them, festooning a broken earth wall 

 in a sunken garden for a depth of not less than fifty feet. 

 The delicate-hued blossoms — sometimes pink, white, cream 

 or yellow — are starlike, and in the sunlight make a dazzling 

 show. These small flowered mesembryanthemums are es- 

 pecially effective against a gray stone or cement background, 

 and frequently may be used to great advantage. 



Probably one of the most effective uses for a vine in 

 California is in conjunction with the pergola. One of the 

 best vines we have for this purpose is the exquisite "wire- 

 vine," Muehlenbecfyia alba. 



This vine is much more commonly used in Northern 

 California than in the South, but it has been amply demon- 

 strated that it will withstand even the hot winds of the 

 summer season in our interior valleys, and anywhere near 

 the coast there is no drawback to its perfection. The small 

 delicate leaf, the fine black stem and the massing of the 

 streamers remind one of the most delicate fern, and I can 

 think of no more refreshing or beautiful vine for draping 

 the summer retreat, such as the porch or pergola, than this 

 Muehlenbeckia. 



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