A Descent into Particulars a 
in rich soil that they choke the roses. Some people use peren- 
nial phlox among rose bushes so as to carry bloom into the 
autumn. 
Another useful plant is the hop vine, which transplants 
easily, increases rapidly at the root when well established, and 
covers a wall, trellis or an arbor with graceful festoons bear- 
ing the pale green fruiting calyxes. Among other green vines 
the Virginia creeper stands out preéminently for use in a se- 
vere climate or exposed situation. It takes some time to get 
established, but once started, there is no limit to the growth. 
It needs some sun, plenty of fertilizing, as much or little water 
as you wish to give, but above everything severe pruning each 
autumn, and the result is wonderful. Our cottage is com- 
pletely clothed with it, and I give an illustration of the way the 
vine looks after pruning in the autumn. It covers the screen 
at our front door without interfering with opening the door; 
and it is often amusing to see how puzzled people are about 
entering through a vine. We also contrived a way to use the 
creeper over a trellis built on a back piazza. Holes were cut 
in the floor near the house, the vines were drawn up through 
them and fastened to the wall and then trained over the trellis, 
to give shade to a table where we take our meals al jresco. 
The drip from the roof supplies the vines with sufficient mois- 
ture, and though they do not thrive as well on this north wall 
under such unusual conditions, they make a gradual growth 
each year. 
There is needless prejudice against covering a shingled or 
frame cottage with Virginia creeper, because it is said to rot 
the walls. We have found this is not true. Sixteen years ago, 
when we took our old house, the frame was newly shingled, 
and where the vine is close and thick near the roof, the 
shingles are still new and fresh looking; elsewhere they have 
turned a silvery gray. The leaves, extending outward, act 
