TREATMENT OF A FEW ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 
155 
and, again, a prudent addition of fresh turf, and frequently assisted by the whitest 
sand, will renew the energy of vegetation, and, simultaneously, all the corresponding 
phenomena. We have now, while conscious of much ignorance of those wondrous 
causes which are ever varying their " ceaseless change," presented the reader with 
matter for deep reflection — and, we hope, for profitable inquiry and experiment. 
TREATMENT OF A FEW ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 
That there are many plants of the most ordinary beauty wliich, under appro- 
priate treatment, assume an exceedingly attractive and showy character, and that 
even the most ornamental are susceptive of wonderful improvement by congenial 
culture, are matters almost too trite to need recording. But as in the wilds of 
Nature thousands of lovely blossoms are " born to blush unseen " by man, so, in 
the refined gardens of the floriculturist, systems of managing plants are frequently 
pursued unnoticed for years, which, when made known, are found deserving of 
general adoption. 
We cannot positively aflirm that the facts contained in the following observa- 
tions have been long kept in obscurity, or that some of them may not be familiar 
to a large portion of our readers ; yet we consider that in thus giving them 
publicity, and, if not primarily communicating them, at least confirming their 
utility, we shall be adding our mite to that treasury of information wliich shall one 
day raise the practice of horticulture infinitely above the exalted standing it has 
already attained. 
Clematis ccBrulea claims our earliest attention, on account of its peculiarly 
handsome flowers. There are two varieties of this beautiful species, one bearing 
somewhat larger blossoms of a deep purplish tint, and the other having flowers of 
a light blue colour. They are, however, of equal value, and exactly similar in 
habitude and fohage. Although the species is thoroughly hardy, it does not 
produce that profusion of flowers which renders some of its allies so remarkable ; the 
individual blooms being of so large a size as to be more than usually scattered. For 
this reason, if trained to a wall or wall-like trellis, the remoteness of its leaves and 
flowers is such as to impart a straggling appearance which injures its effect. 
As a means of bringing the leaves and flowers into closer contiguity, and 
arranging them over a smaller surface, the plant has been trained by many round 
a low and broad cylindrical trellis ; but while such a plan partly answers the 
purpose for which it is intended, we cannot think it so effectual as a system followed 
by Messrs. Rollisson, of Tooting, with the results of which we have been much 
gratified during the last two seasons. 
The method referred to is as simple as it is suitable, and fulfils the double 
