462 



CORNERS IN AN OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN. 



fan-leaved type of palms. These two very distinct 

 species are hardy in southern Europe and also in some 

 of our southern states. Though rather slow in growth 

 and stiffer in appearance than most of those above re- 

 ferred to, yet they are well worthy of a place among the 

 useful palms for house-culture. Of these the first- 

 named is rather the best, and has nearly erect leaves of 

 dark green, the stems of which are slightly armed with 

 short spines, and at the base are sheathed in fiber. 



The leaves of Corypha Aiist rail's are produced on 

 stout stems, are almost circular in outline, and divided 

 into narrow segments, the stems also being profusely 

 armed with strong spines. In habit both these plants 

 are compact, and the leaves are very tough and strong. 



In conclusion, a few words on treatment may prove 

 useful to some beginners with this class of plants. The 

 first point to demand attention is that of watering, this 

 being usually of more importance than even the soil. 

 "When watering, always give enough to soak through the 

 ball of earth, but do not allow any to remain in the 



saucer or jardiniere in which the plant is standing, else 

 the roots will be sure to suffer. Sprinkle overhead 

 whenever possible in order to keep the pores of the 

 leaves free from dust ; or, better still, dip the foliage in 

 a pail or tub of water every other day. Do not repot 

 too often, for these plants can be more easily controlled 

 in the house if they are somewhat potbound. When the 

 operation is necessary, pot firmly in a clean pot, first 

 placing some drainage material in the bottom. For 

 compost some well-rotted sod in which some old manure 

 has been mixed is all that is necessary, though if the soil 

 be very heavy some sand may be added, and the addition 

 of a small quantity of good bone-dust will also prove 

 beneficial. 



Such general principles of treatment as are here noted 

 will be sufficient for the welfare of most of the species 

 of palms mentioned, though for Cocos JVcdde/iana a 

 somewhat less quantity of water is required than for the 

 other species. 



Philadelphia. W. H. Taplin. 



CORNERS IN AN OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN. 



HOW THEY ARE MADE AND KEPT BEAUTIFUL. 



HIS pillar of honeysuckle, now a sheet 

 of bloom, was once the trunk of a fine 

 old silver pine in the center of a round 

 grass-plat. This old pine was a thing 

 of beauty for many years ; but one 

 winter a very heavy sleet proved too 

 much for it and the whole top cracked 

 off. Early as possible in the spring the trunk was sawed 

 off evenly, about twelve feet of it being left standing. 

 Then a piece of the pine wood with the bark on was 

 nailed on the top, and a couple of healthy honeysuckle- 

 plants set at the base. In a few years the old trunk was 

 a solid pillar of green, with nearly always some flowers 

 on it. A little painted bird's-box set in one side was 

 nearly hidden by the foliage. It stands at the foot of a 

 terrace which divides the vegetable garden from the 

 shrubbery. Not far away another small tree had fallen, 

 and the trunk was sawed off to five feet. A wooden 

 butter-bowd was nailed on, painted a bright red, and filled 

 with nasturtium-vines, and some were set at its base. 

 And so another empty space was filled and beautified. 



Where there is much shade some plants are very apt to 

 be killed by it, leaving unsightly spaces and corners. It 

 frequently happens so in our arbor-vitae hedge, and 



this year I am using some large clumps of dahlias in 

 those corners very successfully. We use the old ever- 

 green honeysuckle very freely, and find it can be kept in 

 good shape by frequent clipping with the large garden 

 shears. 



In the center of the flower-garden in an oval of grass 

 there is a flower-bed in the shape of a basket. Many 

 years ago, when this was first placed there, the basket 

 and handle were made of wood and painted green. As 

 this gave out we tried various substitutes, finally hitting 

 upon one that gave great satisfaction — galvanized iron 

 wire cut in lengths, and bent to form an edge, keeping 

 the shape. A strong hoop made for a wagon-top was set 

 firmly in for the handle, and plenty of honeysuckle- 

 plants were set around and twined in and out as they 

 grew. As soon as old enough they were sheared often 

 and quite closely, so that now the basket, handle and 

 all, is formed of solid, living green nearly a foot wide. 

 Some vines need help in their first attempts at climbing. 

 I have found that gummed labels cut into strips are 

 good to hold vines of Ampelopsis Veitchii in place until 

 their rootlets take hold upon the wall. Once started 

 they clamber nimbly over it without further assistance. 



E. L. L. 



