266 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
&c., all grown in the same size pots as the empties placed in the boxes at plant¬ 
ing. They are carefully taken from the stakes upon which they have been 
trained, and tied with a little care and taste among the Ivy leaves. At other 
times we fasten small phials under the leaves of Ivy, and introduce cut 
flowers of a suitable description, filling the bottles with water, which keeps 
them fresh a considerable time. Another great addition of interest is adding 
a few birds; nothing can be more pleasing in its way, particularly to the 
naturalist part of the family or their company, than to see a sparrow peeping 
out from under a leaf, or a dove or two perched about the top, in the act of 
moving off at the approach of any one, or lovingly eyeing its mate a little 
below; and near the bottom a robin redbreast, feeding his young ones at their 
nest. These are easily removed by the wires left at the bottom of the foot of 
each bird, and can be put in a little different position each time. 
At Christmas this is varied by fruit, fine-coloured Apples and Pears, with a 
few petit Gourds of different varieties. But I must confess this latter mode of 
decorating is not effective or pleasing; however, it is Christmas style, and 
must be correct for that season. 
Cliveden . J. Fleming. 
CHRONICLES OF A TOWN GARDEN.—No. XI. 
The advent of the bulbs makes it necessary that something be done with 
the plants that have hitherto occupied the inside ledge of my window. They 
are not thrown away, at least those that are worthy of preservation ; those I do 
not care to keep have been cast on the refuse heap ere this, and the pots filled 
with other tenants in the way of bulbs. My Zonale and other Geraniums 
have done flowering : they are yet bright and green in the foliage—three or 
four of these are yet in my window; between them are pots of Scillas, 
Crocuses, and Narcissus. By watering sparingly, and yet sufficiently, these 
plants are kept fresh and bright about the leaves. Until the space is altogether 
occupied by pots of bulbs (it will be about the end of January), I shall keep 
them in my window, then when they must be removed I shall cut them back, 
and place them on a dry cool shelf, where some air can reach them. And 
when the glory of the bulbs is waning, I shall repot them, and replace them in 
the window to be gratified once more with their quota of service during the 
summer months. Some of my Fuchsias have shed leaves as well as blossoms, 
and they will undergo the same course of treatment as will be applied to their 
colleagues the Geraniums. Some two or three of these, however, cut back in 
midsummer, and “ shifted” into fresh soil and pots, are now blooming from the 
points of young and vigorous shoots. By Christmas they will require their 
season of rest, and find a lodgment on the reserve shelf for a time. 
Gladioli, carefully removed from the borders out of doors, with some soil 
adhering to the roots, and with one half of the foliage cut away, are slowly 
ripening themselves on a spare shelf preparatory to being stowed away for the 
winter. 
The bedding stuff, both in the garden and the box outside the window, 
have been pulled up and removed. The frost, sharp and scathing, set its stamp 
upon and claimed them for its own. The box is refilled with Crocuses ; in the 
centre is David Rizzio, deep bright purple ; at one end Sir Walter Scott, large 
violet striped; at the other end is Queen Victoria, large pure white. This 
arrangement was so satisfactory last year, and was so much admired, that I am 
induced to attempt it again, but using two different varieties of blue and striped 
Crocus. 
In the front garden I shall plant beds of Tournesol double Tulip, bronzy 
