PORTABLE, TEMPORARY, A'ND MOVEABLE STRUCTURES. I7I 



struction of particular instruments or utensils, or their number and kinds, 

 for particular operations. Let him at all times think for himself; and 

 if he can devise any tool, instrument, or utensil, for performing any 

 operation better than those hitherto in use, let him not fail to do so. Such 

 are the variety of operations required in extensive gardens, where a great 

 many different kinds of culture are carried on, that this power of invention 

 in the gardener becomes essentially requisite, and is, in fact, called forth by 

 the circumstances in which he is placed. 



CHAPTER 11. 



STRUCTURES AND EDIFICES OF HORTICULTURE. 



Structures and edifices are required in horticulture for the more perfect 

 cultivation of hardy plants, or for bringing them earlier to perfection ; for 

 the protection of exotics that will not endure our winters in the open air ; 

 for preserving and keeping horticultural articles ; for the enclosure and 

 defence of gardens, and for gardeners' dwellings. 



Sect. I. — Portable^ Temporary^ and Moveable Structures. 

 Portable structures are such as can be readily moved about by hand, such 

 as the common hand-glass, or substitutes for it, wicker-work protectors, &c. ; 

 temporary structures are such as are taken to pieces every time they are 

 removed from place to place, such as temporary copings, canvas screens, 

 &c. ; and moveable structures are those which can be removed entire, such 

 as the common hotbed frame. 



461. Wicker-work structures for protecting plants may be of any conve- 

 nient form. Fig. 109 consists of a rim about two feet high and a semicir* 



cular cover for taking off during fine days : it 

 has been used at Britton Hall to protect half- 

 hardy Rhododendrons. Fig. 110 shows vari- 

 ous forms which have been used for protecting 

 tender plants during winter, at Abbotsbury, 

 in Dorsetshire : a is a semicircular hurdle, to 

 protect plants trained against a wall, especially 

 if newly planted and exposed to a sunny or 

 Fig. 109. w^^y quarter; h is a double semicircular 



hurdle, or split cylinder, with loops on each 

 side forming hinges or clasps. This is useful to put round the stems of 

 young trees whose branches are too spreading to allow of a circular hurdle 

 being passed over them from above. It is used as a protection against hares 

 and rabbits in a shrubbery ; c is a large cylindrical basket to cover tall 

 shrubs, with a viiior, or window, to be turned towards the sun or away from 

 the wind, but to admit air. These three forms are chiefly adapted for 

 permanent defences in the winter season; the following are for use in 

 spring : d is the simple form of basket or circular hurdle, close on every side 

 and at top, intended to protect low bushes, or growing herbaceous plants 



