26 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
such as the Rhododendron arhoreum, and the other species that are 
likely to suffer from full exposure. It is not only during actual 
frost that this protection will be needed, but also whenever the 
cutting east winds are prevalent. In the latter case, it is often 
advisable to protect with the canvas only that side of the shrub next 
the wind, the other being left open. Some of the Cistus family are 
liable to perish in water if the soil is wet, or the situation is very 
exposed, and to these beautiful shrubs the kind of covering here 
suggested is very suitable. In dry soils a few branches of fir, laurel, 
or other common evergreens, will often be found a sufficient pro- 
tection for many dwarf shrubs and half-shrubby plants. Where it 
may be occasionally necessary to completely cover half-hardy plants 
of moderate size, such as the Cantua dependens and Mitraria coccinea , 
a cylinder, formed of two or three hoops connected by a few upright 
roots, and covered with tarred canvas, will be found of great service. 
If preferred, the skeleton of the frame might be constructed of 
galvanized or painted iron wire, which would last many years, if 
strongly made. A top to the cylinder will be essential, and this 
being separate, will allow of air being admitted in mild weather 
without disturbing the entire protector. If additional warmth is 
required — and for the two plants we have named it will be desirable 
— the cylinder may be covered with a piece of matting, before 
attaching the outer canvas ; this last should invariably be tarred or 
painted, or it will soon rot ; in its stead oil-cloth may be used, but 
the canvas is considerably the cheapest. 
The cost of such cylinders as we have described, three feet high 
and eighteen inches in diameter, need not exceed sixpence each ; 
and they may be constructed by any person possessing the smallest 
modicum of mechanical genius, and in any locality where a few 
stout osiers, a bit of canvas, and a little tar are attainable. 
Heebaceous and Bcjlbous Plants. — Practically, these two 
divisions may be classed together, and their protection is very simple. 
In most cases, an eight-inch pot filled with hay will be a sufficient 
protection for such roots as the Salvia patens, Cuphea strigillosa, 
Anomatlieca oruenta, and nearly all the Cape bulbs. 
It is usual to employ in these cases a mulching of half-rotten 
manure, but this is, in our opinion, very objectionable, as it soon 
becomes saturated with moisture, which it retains for a long period. 
Leaves are open to the same objection unless they can be kept dry, 
which may be done by placing a slate or tile over them : this will 
not only keep the leaves in their places, but afford in itself additional 
protection. Small heaps of coal-ashes are sometimes placed over 
tender roots, and if screened from wet by covering them with a 
large pot, these are very efficient protectors. We have seen saw- 
dust used for the same purpose ; but no worse substance could be 
employed, unless it is kept dry by covering ; when exposed to wet, 
it loses entirely its protective character. For bulbs or plants 
requiring only slight protection, a furzey branch or two, pegged 
down, is one of the best and simplest coverings ; and this material 
will be found exceedingly useful for beds of half-hardy bulbs, as 
well as for placing between patches of autumn-sown annuals in 
