On Chanqing the Colour of the Hydrangea Hortensis 11 
importance in early forcina:. The evils naturally attendant on the 
cracking of putty, its separating from the wood, and admitting water 
to enter and drop into the house, are all entirely prevented ; it also 
dispenses with the renewal of putty, or having to paint the outside of 
the frame, which is an annual saving in expense, and keeps all the 
materials undei- the glass quite dry ; thus preserving a house a great 
number of years longer than can possiby be done by the old way. 
In the old mode, in general down the sides of the midribs, there is an 
accumulation of dirt and soot which causes shade, but it is not the case 
with this, all being clean ; also, when the frames are painted, it gene- 
rally occurs that the painters encroach upon the glass down the sides of 
the ribs ; this evil is entirely prevented. 
It is worthy of remark that the outside cost of this invention, including 
a trifling charge for patent-right, does not in any case exceed the ex- 
pense of the old plan, but in some instances is cheaper, and it also 
secures an annual saving afterwards. The method is so simple, that 
any person keeping a few squares of glass in possession, can replace a 
broken square, without being at the trouble of sending for a glazier. 
This system is not only wc 11 calculated for hothouses and sky-lights, 
but for every. other description of glazing ; an upright sash glazed upon 
this plan, has a very novel and striking appearance, and upon the whole 
this method well deserves the consideiation and attention of the public, 
for if it answers the desired end, of which we have Iiitherlo no doubt, it 
will be one of the most useful inventions ever brought forward. 
JJay'25th, 1831. J, P. 
Article III. — On Changing the Colour of the Flowers of 
the Hydrangea Hortenais. By RuSTlCUS. 
GeXTLEM1'"\, 
I HOPE you will not consider me as trespassing on the pages of 
your Magazine, oi- intrusive on the patience of your readers, if I make 
a few observations on what has come under my notice, relative to the 
treatment of the Hydrangea Hortensis, with a view to change the colour 
of the flowers. Some years ago, I turned my attention to the cultivation 
of this plant, and looking over the pages of the Encyclopedia of Gar- 
dening, I read the opinions of some eminent practical men, who stated 
that a compost of turf ashes, or ashes of Norway spruce, &c., &c.. 
•vould effectually change the colour ; this I made use of, out without the 
desired effect: for I found that the plants neither grew ?o.]ioalihy, nor 
