CLIMBERS 



61 



temperate globe at our disposal there is every reason why 

 these should be called to our aid to supplement the 

 attractions of our compatriots. Many opportunities will 

 offer themselves for the artistic employment of climbers 

 amid natural surroundings, in the clothing dead trees 

 that would otherwise be unsightly, with a mantle of 

 beauty, in allowing their growths to mingle with living 

 foliage or in hiding bare expanses of cliff. It is advisable 

 here to repeat the advice already given as regards 

 planting, namely, that a rich and deep root-run be pro- 

 vided, as if this is done the climbers will at once start 

 into vigorous growth, whereas if it be neglected it will 

 mean the loss of some seasons. A list of suitable 

 climbers and trailers is here appended. 



Aristolochia. — A. Sipho, the Dutchman's Pipe, so-called 

 from the shape of the flowers, which are held on long, 

 curving stems, is a striking climber, chiefly valuable for 

 its foliage, which is very large and heart-shaped. It is a 

 native of North America, and a strong grower, readily 

 ascending to a height of twenty feet. It may be planted 

 to climb evergreen and other trees. A. tomentosa is a 

 smaller species. 



Atragene alpina. — Alpine Clematis. A charming little 

 climber, bearing flowers about two inches across, with 

 pale-blue petals and white cups. The petals being 

 narrow and inclining inwards towards the corolla, and 

 the flowers being set on slender, arching stems, the 

 plant when in bloom has a very graceful appearance. 

 There is also a pure white form. It does well in an open 

 spot, and is attractive if allowed to clamber over a many- 

 branched stump, which in a few seasons it will cover with 

 its rambling shoots. 



Boussingaultia. — B. baselloides is a luxuriant climber, 

 forming shoots fifteen feet or more in length during the 

 season. It has large pale-green leaves and small, white 

 inconspicuous flowers, slightly fragrant, which are borne 



