374 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



show. Many such. can be employed as an undergrowth to larger 

 plants, and frequently with very pretty effect. There is no 

 reason why pots should not in these ways be hidden to a great 

 extent. Ferns, such as the British Maidenhair, Nephrodiuiii 

 molle, Pteris longifolia, and other kinds, can be advantageously 

 displayed to clothe damp and unsightly walls that are otherwise 

 an eyesore and stand in need of frequent cleansing. With a little 

 patience these and other Ferns will soon acclimatize themselves 

 (even without any soil in some instances) where the surface is 

 not of cement. When a little soil can be used the ornamental 

 foliaged Begonias will soon become established. If any difficulty 

 arises with either of the foregoing it is possible to fall back upon 

 Ficus repens. The appearance of our stoves, greenhouses, and 

 conservatories could frequently be improved by making more 

 use of climbers, a due proportion of which would not be any 

 detriment to other plants. Hence houses which could be 

 made to look well-furnished give an impression of bareness. 

 For the stove Cissus discolor, one of the most ornamental of 

 plants with fine foliage, and the varieties of Asparagus could be 

 usefully employed. Of plants deserving of far more notice there 

 are the Dipladenias, which, if not of ornamental foliage, are 

 truly ornamental plants. The best of the highly coloured 

 varieties of the Dipladenia are well known, but the merits of 

 D. boliviensis are not nearly so much appreciated as they should 

 be ; it can be had in flower from April to November, being most 

 useful for cutting purposes. There are also Aristolochia elcgans, 

 Passiflora Kermesina, and Gloriosa superba, neither of which are 

 seen too frequently. The varieties of the African Asparagus are 

 also suited to a cooler house. I have them planted out where the 

 temperature falls below 40° Fahr. in the winter, yet they thrive. 

 They can therefore be used for covering the walls, pillars, and 

 glass sides of conservatories ; Lygodium scandens being also useful 

 for the same purpose, but it succeeds better in a temperate house. 

 Myrsvphyllum asparagoides should be allowed space, being so use- 

 ful for cutting. When it is not advisable to occupy all the roof 

 space next the glass with climbers, some may at least be trained 

 up the rafters, selection being made from those of moderate 

 growth. Fuchsias, for instance, are thus seen to decided ad- 

 vantage in a cool house. For training thinly over the roof of a 

 conservatory the Tacsonias are well adapted, and the Passifloraa 

 with the smaller leaves. 



