THE FIELD 
1162 
perieuce. To go on alluding to tho various and conflicting 
ide; s on the subject, would only perplex instead of enlighten 
his judgment on tho controverted point of dispute. 
ilijxd shot is used by some sportsmen, who have given a 
high opinion of the practice. But there again we find many 
dissentients. Some sportsmen have even ridiculed the idea 
of such a thing in no measured language. The same 
difference of opinion hangs around the patent shot cartridges 
of Ely , therefore we shall say nothing on the matter. Shoot- 
ing has its fanciful enthusiasts as well as everything else. 
And, lastly, as to 
THE WADDING. 
The range and delivery of tho shot are greatly influenced 
by the wadding. The common opinions on the matter are 
that all waddings should be quite close to the barrel, but 
not rammed too hard. The material should be rather 
softish in its nature, and yielding to a certain extent, but 
still of sufficient consistency to carry the shot in a body to 
a certain distance from the muzzle of the piece. For if the 
wadding is rammed too close, or is of a hard and rigid nature, 
such as stiff brown paper, the piece will recoil, and tho shot 
will Bpread more wide ; if, on the contrary, the wadding is 
not sufficiently close, and is composed of a slight and too 
pliant material, such as wool or cotton, It will not be of 
sufficient consistency to carry shot, and the discharge will 
lose its proper force. Besides, a certain portion of the shot, 
which is more immediately in contact with tho wadding, will 
be melted by the explosion of the powder. Mr. Greener 
says that a substantial wadding between the powder and the 
shot is equal to a considerable artificial friction in improving 
the strength with which the powder expels the shot. It 
answers the purpose of completely preventing the explosive 
matter becoming mixed with the shot ; and tho powder is 
confined the same as it would be were there a ball in the 
barrel that fitted tight. Thus the whole force is properly 
exerted. 
We shall return to this useful manual, for our space is 
limited this week. 
THE GARDEN. 
ALTERATIONS IN PLEASURE GROUNDS. 
{Continued from page 1138.) 
In our last article we offered a few practical remarks 
to our readers on some of the most prominent points 
to be considered by those who are establishing new 
seats or villas ; and if we did not, from the nature 
of the subject and our limitation as to space, show 
them how to make what is called a “ composition," 
we may, at least, have shown them how to avoid 
glaring errors. 
As subjects for discussion or illustration in garden- 
ing affairs are so various, that, when intended to 
prove serviceable off-hand (through their adaptability 
to the period of their publication), they press closely 
on each other, we trust our readers will at once 
see that it is impossible to handle in full all the 
collateral bearings of the subject; to do this would 
require a book. 
We observed, in our previous article, that bold 
curves in walks — which must be curved occasionally, 
from the nature of the ground surface, and other circum- 
stances are, in the main, qualified to produce abetter 
effect than those tame and insipid lines, which look 
as though the designer had been desirous of a straight 
line and missed his aim. Now, although we all 
know that a fine-flowing curve is handsomer in its 
nature than an awkward curve, yet it is not on this 
account alone that we recommend it; as before 
observed, such highly subserves the purposes of the 
planter, or designer of clumps, shrub masses, 
groups, <kc. The bends of ground produced by 
such bold curves form admirable situations for 
detached shrub masses of the choicer kinds ; whilst 
the more ordinary shrubs, mingled with trees of 
half-height, and occasionally with timber trees, 
where height is desirable, either for varying the 
sky-line, or lor shutting out unpleasant objects, may 
be made, in the main, to skirt the exterior portions 
It is assumed on all hands that it is absolutely essen- 
tial each bend of lawn formed by these bold curves 
s-ioubl receive some object— generally planting — in 
order to accomplish two great requisites. The first 
I*, that such bends, although of such eminent service 
to the general composition when judiciously 
occupied, become formal and unmeaning, and offend 
the Perambulator, who has no relish for going 
round points which can obviously be so readily 
crossed. In the second place, they induce this kind 
oi trespass ; and the habit of crossing over the grass 
soon produces a track, which, we need hardly observe, 
erogates exceedingly from the general style and tone 
of the grounds. 
Such bends, however, need not of necessity receive 
*hrub masses; groups of three or four evergreens, 
or trees of half-height, of handsome character, may 
occasionally occupy them, or such things as busts, 
vases, on appropriate pedestals, dials, and indeed 
other artistical or natural objects. About the plant- 
ing in these bends, let us advise that it be in general 
of a dressy character, especially near the house ; such 
character gradually decreasing as we recede, until it 
may at last, if requisite, merge fairly into the wood- 
land character, the grove, <kc. Evergreens especially 
Bhould prevail ; and here many of our new hybrid 
rhododendrons will be found peculiarly suitable; and 
amongst what are termed American shrubs, some nice 
little evergreen things way be selected from the 
families Andromeda, Ledum, Kalmia, &c. ; then 
such things as the Arbutus, Allaternus, Bays, and 
where the bends are of considerable bulk, the Portu- 
gal laurel, not forgetting the laurustine, besides 
several novelties in the evergreen way, which we have 
not space to enumerate. Occasionally some of our 
spiry-pointed evergreens of the cypress and juniper 
families, may heighten the outline by their spiry 
forms, rising above common flat-headed things. To 
such we may add the Berberis and Mahonia families ; 
the new Berberis Darwinii is a delightful thing ; 
these, and such families as the hardy Ericas, may 
with great propriety occupy the minor bends by 
themselves, totally devoid of any mixture. Of course, 
a sprinkling of deciduous shrubs, may he used, and 
near the house our splendid new hardy azalias will 
find a place ; amongst other things, the new' Deutzias, 
weigelias, &c., may not be forgotten. 
But, in the interior spaces of lawn, where what 
are vulgarly termed clumps are requisite, it some- 
times becomes necessary to resort to another style of 
planting. Before, however, remarking on the cha- 
racter of trees and shrubs adapted to the interior of 
lawns, let us caution the young schemer against what 
has been termed the dotting or frittering system ; 
which is but too apt to antagonise what is termed 
“ breadth.” We need scarcely remind persons of 
taste of the beauty and freedom of a fine English 
lawn ; it is proverbial ; and to what owing ? Why, 
to its velvety texture, and a permanency of freshness 
unknown to some of our continental neighbours. 
But there is another point, and an important one; 
its entireness — if we may use the term. We do not, 
however, here attempt to argue that a good lawn 
must of necessity be unbroken by any planting ; 
reasons will arise for introducing groups or retaining 
those already existing ; and it merely remains for 
the judicious schemer so to use his materials as to 
■ecure some bold portions totally devoid of planting. 
Masses, or clumps, where required to occupy 
portions of the lawn, should possess great free- 
dom of outline ; the trees or shrubs, moreover, of 
which they are composed, should be of size and 
expression. And here we may point to the beauty 
of trees possessing what is termed the pinnate 
character of foliage, and, to make it more familiar to 
those of our readers who are not acquainted with 
botanical language, we may adduce the Acacias, 
Sumachs, the Ailanthus, <kc. Such confer a kind of 
exotic impress. We may point also to the order 
known as Conifers, or the fir tribe, in which this 
country is now so rich ; and, amongst the rest, to 
the noble cedar of Lebanon. 
Whilst speaking of the beauty and effect of forms, 
let us also point to our spiry forms, such as the 
Lombardy poplar, the Cornish elm, the red cedar, 
<fcc., to which numerous others might be added : 
our nurserymen’s lists, however, will furnish ample 
suggestions. 
We may, in a future paper, pursue this subject 
further, and, amongst other objects, turn our atten- 
tion to the renovation of old places, which will, per- 
haps, be more useful than advice concerning new 
ground work. 
Let us suggest that, although the general 
principles here enumerated will, we trust, be found 
a tolerably good guide, yet, so much depends on 
the character natural to the ground to be operated 
on, together with its associations, that many de- 
partures will occasionally be found necessary ; tQ 
abide strictly to rules, under all circumstances, 
would give rise to an intolerable mannerism. 
GARDENING FOR THE WEEK. 
Plant Houses. — In houses devoted to the ex- 
hibition of fiowers in blossom during the winter, 
much care is necessary to prevent drip on the deli- 
cate blossoms. To accomplish this, ventilation, 
night and day, should be practised ; there is much 
more need of night ventilation in winter than in 
summer. Fires will of course be sustained sufficient 
to maintain the desired temperature, 6ay forty to fifty 
degrees. Ericas, New Holland plants, <fec., will want 
a most liberal amount of air, and, indeed, it is 
scarcely necessary to point to any tribe. Remember 
that the water-pot must be used now with caution, 
and principally, or entirely, in the forenoon. Plant- 
houses should now be gay with Camellias, Salvias, 
Begonias, some winter Ericas, scarlet Geraniums, * 
Heliotropes, ageratums^ lachenalias, mignionette’ 
Chinese primroses, Gesneria zebrina, Linura trigy- 
num, Poinsettia pulcherrima, Euphorbia jacquiniflora, 
chrysanthemums, die. 
FLOWER GARDEN. 
Let everything decayed be instantly removed, 
and the ground dressed up neat for winter. Set 
Jvaps for the mice, where crocuses are attacked. 
Those who care about a fresh appearance in their 
w ii , Dg winter * way introduce such things as 
Wallflowers, sweet-williams, and, in fact, anything 
which will carry freshness through the winter. Some 
introduce small dwarf evergreens here and there • 
but, to accomplish this, a small reserve-uarrW 
should be provided. 
SHRUBBERIES. 
Amidst the winter operations in shrubberies, the 
saw and bill-hook must not be forgotten. Every 
shrubbery should be looked over each winter, and 
at least decayed and decaying materials removed. 
But much may be done in a judicious pruning 0 f 
shrubs ; for, as years roll (on, the stronger will press 
on the weaker. Of course, all dead leaves will have 
been raked away ; these make excellent compost. 
FORCING MATTERS. 
The early cucumber-grower must now see to his 
fermenting materials without delay ; most gardeners 
think of this in what are called “the dark days 
before Christmas.” If, however, lie is lucky enough 
to possess a cucumber-house — which we strongly re- 
commend to all who can afford it — he will have 
little occasion to care about frames. Indeed, all 
forcing matters will now begin to press on the mind 
of the gardener. 
TIIE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Protection is the order of the day here with those 
who wish to insure a succession of all our culinary 
dainties of the kitchen garden through a long winter * 
for, come what may, it is our duty to provide for 
such. In our next we will chat over protection 
matters, the principles of which are but ill-known, 
we fear, or ill-applied. In the meantime, let us 
advise that all vacant ground be well trenched and 
ridged, for the sake of providing a good and renewed 
tilth in the ensuing spring. 
MISCELLANEOUS AFFAIRS. 
We need scarcely remind our friends, the young 
gardeners — who will, we doubt not, excuse the sug- 
gestions of one somewhat “bleached” in the service 
that although the dark and stormy days of winter ■ 
are but too apt to lull us into a supine mood, yet 
that such a dull period is invaluable if, by a wise 
forecast, we anticipate the busy period which will 
soon arrive. What are called “shed jobs” are 
what we allude to ; all matting for tying purposes 
through a whole summer should, if possible, be now 
provided. The preparation of materials for training 
purposes, too, together with stakes, labels, protective 
materials, «fcc., must be all thought of. 
Last, not least, let us remind the inexperienced of 
the policy of attacking those insect tribes in the 
dormant season, which are so prejudicial to good 
gardening, either by destructive or preventive mea- 
sures. 
THE GARDENER. 
Covers for Garden Structures. — The question 
of covering to houses, pits, frames, &c., has become 
a rather serious one, in consequence of the high price 
of Russian mats ; and now is the time for an in- 
genious manufacturer to lay the foundation of a for- 
tune, by inventing some truly useful and economical 
covering ; such would meet with a universal demand. 
To accomplish such a desirable end, four things must 
be kept steadily in view, and their degrees of import- 
ance are tolerably well indicated by the order in 
which they are placed 
1. It must exclude wet. 
2. It must be durable. 
3. It must be comparatively light. 
4. It must be produced at a moderate cost. 
In addition to this, it should not be compact, 
thin, and hard ; the more open and porous its in- 
terior texture, the better non-conductor it would 
prove. \\ e have found Neil's ashphalte felting 
economical and useful ; we wish to remark further 
on this material, but must previously correspond 
with a person of high standing in the gardening 
profession, who has used it for years. In the mean- 
time, we beg to place the following excellent remarks 
before our readers ; the writer, Mr. W. P. Ayres, 
well understands this subject, and is a person of great 
experience ; it is from the Gardeners' Chronicle 
Protect, on of Forcing Pits and Plant Frames. 
As many gardeners and amateurs will doubtless be obliged 
to find some substitute for their usual supply of Russian mats 
this year, a few remarks on the most economical mode of pro- 
tecting these structures may not bo without interest. The 
object for which protecting material of all kinds is used is 
vulgarly to keep out cold, philosophically to prevent the 
escape of heat, and hence that which with the least expendi- 
ture of money and time best secures the object in view must 
be the best to adopt. The market. gardeners round London 
use principally long litter, and they prepare it through the 
summer by taking the longest straw from the dung as it is 
brought from the 6tables, and this, where it is well shaken out 
and dried, is formed into a stack contiguous to the frame 
ground, ready for winter’s use. This is simply thrown 
over the frames to the thickness of four, six, or twelve inches, 
according to the severity of the weather, and answers very 
well. But it is untidy for a gentleman’s gnrden, and more- 
over makes the glass very dirty, depriving the plants of much 
light, and rendering a great loss of labour necessary in wash- 
ing the fiames, and also much breakage. It is, however, very 
surprising how little attention some of the best market growers 
seem to pay to the importance of light ; you may go into 
