32 On Acclimatizing Plants at Biel, in East Lothian. 



place of growth. I also find that plants obtained from cuttings 

 are hardier than seedlings, the roots of the former seem to 

 possess more ability to resist severe weather, I therefore 

 plant out cuttings if they are well rooted, in preference to 

 seedlings. Several kinds of plants endure our winters much 

 better while they are small, than when they become large. 

 By keeping some plants short of food, it helps to preserve 

 them in the open air. The last three summers have convinced 

 me how little moisture many plants require. Many kinds 

 of smaller plants, if they are sunk in their pots in the open 

 border, with the hole at the bottom of the pot left open, 

 will endure the winter, which they would not if turned out of 

 pots. Last year I sunk in the open borders, in their pots, 

 Ononis Natrix, Hypericum Balearicum, Teucrium fruticosum, 

 Convolvulus Cneorum, Mesembryanthemum uncinatum, and 

 by this method, and by laying a little sand, or sandy gravel, 

 over the surface round their stems, these plants survived the 

 sharp winter frost without any other protection, and continue 

 in good health. 



Under-draining is another advantageous practice. Some 

 small drains, which convey the water from the water pipes 

 attached to the roof of the house at this place, cross a border 

 about eight or ten inches under the surface. Over these drains, 

 and by their sides, I planted out with success several reputed 

 green-house species at several periods. In 1816 I planted 

 Lycium Afrum, native of the Cape of Good Hope, over a drain 

 under a south wall, which is six feet high, and trellised ; the 

 plant is covered in winter two mats thick ; it thrives remark- 

 ably, being nine feet high ; and it flowers freely, in some years 

 producing seeds. Over this same drain I planted Lavatera 



