ON THE TREATMENT OF GREENHOUSE CLIMBING PLANTS. 
161 
summer sun ; and, where the flower-garden is extremely circumscribed, a mass of 
showy flowers on their exterior might present a lively picture to some distant point 
of the pleasure-grounds. 
Rustic baskets, with a span of a semicircular outline to represent the handle, 
likewise supply facilities for introducing a few climbing species. These are still 
more generally adopted in modern gardens than the form of trellis last alluded to, 
and have before been described in this w T ork. They will admit, at the most, no 
more than two climbing specimens, and these are merely conducted over a single 
hoop across the middle. 
It is both just and politic, in mooting a subject of this nature, and proposing a 
new system of operation, or, what is closely analogous, the extensive adoption of a 
mode which is scarcely known, and certainly but rarely practised, to point out all 
the particulars in which old customs fail or are faulty. By this means the standard 
of propriety is not only set up but established ; and it frequently needs but to be 
ascertained, at once to ensure an advance towards it, or even its complete attain- 
ment ; for, although this may not be the immediate result, the ultimate tendency 
of the practice is clearly to accelerate an improvement. 
None of the methods on which we have here incidentally touched, are free from 
great and manifold defects. To form a favourable opinion of a handsome dwarf 
climbing plant, (and it is to dwarf species that these strictures principally apply,) 
it should stand perfectly detached ; be as open as possible on all sides ; have erect 
supporters, which may divaricate according to its habits, and terminate neither 
pointedly nor abruptly, but with a gentle curve, in the direction of the ground : 
while, finally, as little restraint as comports with order should be exercised in its 
management, that its natural character, or one sufficiently irregular to have the 
appearance of nature, due regard at the same time being paid to real elegance, may 
be fully displayed and preserved. 
To effect at once, and without perplexity or difficulty, these exceedingly de- 
sirable objects, plants chosen and prepared for this express purpose should be placed 
at proper distances and in approved situations, — both as regards the circumstances 
most propitious to them individually, and their general influence on the land- 
scape, — on any glade of lawn that may be considered appropriate. That imme- 
diately surrounding small villa or cottage residences, or, in larger estates, any spot 
which may present itself eligibly at a sufficient distance from the mansion, may be 
partly devoted to this end ; and, if a tasteful care govern their disposition, the 
prospect, when all are at their utmost perfection, will be in the highest degree 
enchanting. 
But we have yet to state to what sort of trellis it is best to attach them ; and 
this may be condensed into a few closing remarks. Strong iron wire, for the sake 
of its neatness, pliability, and power of endurance, is preferable to any other sub- 
stance that can be employed. It may be bent or twisted into various shapes, to 
suit the taste of the cultivator or the peculiar habit of the plants. An excellent 
VOL. VI. NO. LXVII. Y 
