NATURAL MODE OF TRAINING CLIMBERS. 
207 
some cultivators have occasionally planted Lycopodiums. This, however, might 
is effectually be attained by a limited introduction of Achimenes. A few plants 
stuck into the sides and lower parts of the baskets and suspended pieces of wood, 
would have a charming effect ; and for this purpose, the usually long stems of 
A. pedunculata would be no objection ; for, when so treated, the internodes are 
ilways shorter, and the shoots may be conveniently attached to the sides of the 
'larger baskets and blocks. 
The moist, shaded atmosphere of the Orchidaceas house is likewise eminently 
suited to the cultivation of Achimenes ; indeed, a degree of shade is positively 
necessary to some of the species when in flower, the blossoms of A. longijlora 
being frequently much injured by exposure to a bright sun. 
Before closing our remarks, we will just advert to the probability of these 
plants enduring one summer in the open ground. It is not likely that they will 
ever be available to any great extent for the flower-garden, but in a warm dry 
situation, in a rocky border in front of a greenhouse, or stove, it is probable that 
they may be successfully managed during the warmer months of summer. From 
experiments made in one of the metropolitan gardens, shade during intense sun- 
shine seems particularly necessary, even in the out-door borders, as the plants 
always flower best in cloudy weather, or early in the morning, but are injured 
directly a hot sun shines upon them. In Messrs. Lee’s nursery, A. pedunculata has 
stood the winter in an exposed border without any care or attention, but has only 
made a poor stunted growth without any appearance of flower. From these facts 
we may reasonably infer, that the idea of growing them in the open air is by no 
means unlikely to prove successful to a greater extent than has hitherto been 
attempted ; and we cordially recommend our readers to endeavour to ascertain the 
fact for themselves, when another season furnishes the opportunity. 
NATURAL MODE OF TRAINING CLIMBERS. 
Although climbing plants are among the freest and most graceful growing 
objects in the vegetable kingdom, cultivators generally have a practice of 
materially curtailing their beauty by training their branches in straight lines, and 
tying them closely to that which supports them. 
Such a proceeding, indeed, by robbing them of that wild elegance which is 
their principal charm, converts them into comparatively tame and uninteresting 
things, and detracts greatly from the attractiveness of a garden scene, whether in 
the open air or the plant house. 
A climber, when it is decked in its native grace, should have all its minor 
branches free and flowing ; and if the train stems are not hidden by side shoots, 
they too should take that irregular, crooked direction which they would be inclined 
