1872.] 
GARDEN LITERATURE. 
201 
bedding-out, exhibition, walls, pillars, rockeries, &c. Finally, descriptions are 
given of 176 varieties and species, ancient and modern, with two coloured illus¬ 
trations representing four varieties, and 15 other plates representing certain types, 
•or the several modes of culture for which the Jackmanni group is adapted. We 
give, as an example of the illustrations, Clematis Sieboldii , a fine old sort now 
half forgotten, with the chapter devoted to the general culture of the C. 
montana and C. patens types, to which latter C. Sieboldii belongs :— 
“These sections include the earliest or spring-flowering division of the family. The 
majority of the species and varieties of which they consist come into blossom naturally about 
May; but some few of them, e.rj., C. calycina and its allies, are much earlier than this, and 
blossom from the commencement of the year onwards. These latter are best suited for plant¬ 
ing against walls, in warm sheltered situations, where their opening flowers may be in some 
degree protected against inclement weather. The varieties belonging to C. patens and C. 
Jlorida [represented by C. Sieboldii, one of the same type], are perfectly adapted for planting 
against conservative walls or in corridors, and some of them make elegant early-blooming beds, 
©specially in positions where their blossoms are thoroughly sheltered, either naturally or 
artificially, from severe spring frosts, which occasionally, though rarely, may somewhat injure 
them. 
“ C. montana, which is also a spring or May-bloomer, is a plant of vigorous growth, and 
perfectly hardy, and is specially adapted for covering walls, or trellises, or arbours, or in fact 
for planting in any position where rapidity of growth is desired. The same may be said of the 
species of the graveolens type, hereafter to be noticed, and which mostly flower later in the 
year. 
“ None of these plants, especially those of the montana type, are very particular as to 
.soil, but will grow in any good garden earth which is fairly enriched, efficiently drained, and 
maintained in a healthy state as regards its mechanical composition—that is, kept open so that 
water may freely percolate, and the air readily permeate it. Where it can be provided, a rich 
soil of a light loamy texture is the best for all these plants, and if this be mixed, either natur¬ 
ally or artificially, with chalk or lime, so much the better for the Clematises. Thorough 
drainage is indispensable to good healthy development; and the vigour of the plants must be 
kept up by at least annual manurings with horse or cow manure, or that happy fertilizing 
mixture known as ‘farmyard muck,’ these being alike salutary applications. On dry hot 
soils, cow-manure would probably be preferable ; while on heavy soils a thorough dressing of 
good leaf-mould would be beneficial. 
“ Mulching, which consists in covering the surface of the soil for some little distance 
round about the plants with half-rotten dung, is another mode of manuring, from which the 
plants derive no inconsiderable amount of benefit. This operation should be performed annually 
on the approach of winter, and is more necessary after the plants have become established, as 
the manure applied at the time of planting will then be more or less exhausted. The mulching 
acts, moreover, as a protection to the roots in the case of severe weather, and though not 
necessary on this score—the plants being thoroughly hardy—is certainly not injurious. The 
effect of mulching would be to increase the strength of the plant, and at the same time the 
size of the flowers. 
“ When growth commences in the spring-time, the young shoots must be attended to, 
and trained around or against the supports provided for them, whatever these may be. The 
■weaker shoots may, if necessary to prevent entanglement, be cut away during the summer; 
but all the vigorous shoots for -which there is space should be trained in, since it is these, 
when thoroughly developed and matured, which furnish the flowers for the ensuing year. 
“ The strong-growing sorts of the montana type are good verandah plants, and suited for 
rapidly covering any bare spaces which require clothing; but the less robust plants of the 
florida and patens types are better suited for training on conservative walls or for furnishing 
corridors, or any similar positions where their elegant and showy blossoms may be brought 
more closely into view. 
“ Pruning is one of the important points of good management, and on its due performance 
rest mainly the chances of having a fine display of flowers. Only the weaker, or straggling, 
■or overcrowded branches should be cut away. The strong one-year-old wood should be trained 
in, as far as it has become thoroughly ripened, beyond which it may be cut away ; and this 
should be so disposed as to fill up all vacant spaces. The pruning should take place in the 
month of February or March, after the severe frosts of winter have passed away.” 
T. M. 
