MAXAGEMEXT OF PLANTS IX THE TEXT. 263 



a Stove, and probably many shrubs which might not be expected to hve 

 there. The advantage of a verandah or pent covering, however rude, on 

 the north side of a wall, for the protection of half-hardy plants, such as 

 Camellia japonica, Asiatic species of Rhododendrons, &c., is not suffi- 

 ciently known. It is the excitement occasioned by the access of the 

 sun that makes such plants liable to injury, and a south aspect, whether 

 in summer or winter, is prejudicial to them. I beheve that the covering 

 of a pent-roof in a northern aspect, without any flue, is more congenial to 

 those plants than a greenhouse, with caution to prevent any heavy rain or 

 snow from being driven upon them by a strong north wind, which is 

 easily done by hanging mats along in such an emergency." 



The management of plants in such a structure is not different from 

 those in the regular conservator^-, only, as the canvass or other covering 

 does not admit of the free passage of light, it is necessary to admit that 

 indispensable element by frequently opening it in different parts, par- 

 ticularly in autumn and spring : indeed, in most ordinary mild days dming 

 these seasons it may be nearly all thrown open by the simple process 

 of having the canvass or paper mounted on rollers, and these wi'ought by 

 pulleys, which will enable the proprietor to cover or uncover at pleasm-e. 

 During winter partial opening must be only indulged in, but as hght and 

 air is so essentially necessary for all plants, it follows that the success of 

 culture will depend upon the quantity of each admitted to the plants. Dur- 

 ing winter the border, if the plants be planted out, should be well covered 

 with dry litter, or, what is better, both for resisting frost and also for 

 appearance, is moss, different species of Hypnum, Sphagnum^ &c., which 

 should be laid over to the depth of six or nine inches. The stems of the 

 plants should by November be enveloped by binding moss neatly round 

 them as far up as to where the branches issue from them ; the most 

 luxuriant and imperfectly formed ones removed, which will admit of a 

 greater circulation of air, and also lighten the trees of a number of shoots 

 that would be almost certain to die through the winter. If the plants be 

 grown in pots or tubs, it is of the utmost consequence that they be 

 plunged in moss or similar medium to their full height, to prevent the 

 action of frost from destroying the roots. 



The situation for such a structure should be one that is sheltered from 

 the effects of winds, and as favourably placed in respect to exposure to 

 the sun as possible. That it be either naturally dry or rendered artificially 

 so is of the greatest importance, and that the plants be kept as drj- dming 

 winter as a due degree of safety will warrant. During summer this 

 selection of plants wiU thrive well and flower abundantly. The first 



