1058 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



This, however, is daily seen, and even in collections which 

 ought to show a different example. Neither should plants be 

 tied up in a stiff or formal manner, nor contorted into shapes 

 which Nature has never designed. The natural character of 

 all plants is the most pleasing, and those who wish to con- 

 strain them into other shapes, betray a great want of taste, 

 and even littleness of mind. Neat sticks should only be made 

 use of, and be so placed in the plant as to be as much con- 

 cealed as possible. Short pieces of stout wire may be used 

 with great advantage, as it combines strength, durability, and 

 neatness ; and bamboo or other canes, used for the same pur- 

 pose, may be considered an improvement in this branch of 

 exotic culture. 



Plants of climbing or creeping habits, such as are employed 

 in covering the opaque parts of green-houses or conservatories, 

 and which are, when in good keeping, their greatest ornament, 

 should be regularly and neatly tied or nailed up as they ex- 

 tend in growth, to prevent them from breaking, and more 

 particularly from having an appearance of confusion and dis- 

 order. The different passifloras will be great ornaments to 

 the conservatory at all seasons, as they produce their flowers 

 in great abundance, and some of them even perfect their fruit : 

 of these, P. eclulis, of which our figure is a representation, is 

 peculiarly handsome, and fruits in abundance, but requires 

 the assistance of the cultivator in assisting its impregnation. 

 The fruit is much esteemed in its native country, and it not 

 unfrequently appears on the tables of the rich in this country. 

 However, the flavour is such as not to be much admired by 

 the majority of persons. 



