60 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
September 22, 1894. 
of plants have purely American names. Of these 
there are " squaw bush,” the bark of which was used 
by the Indians instead of Tobacco; “ moose berry, 
"moose bush,” "possum berry,” "it brings the 
frost,” " good-bye summer,” “ Rhode Island 
Clover,” “ Canada Thistle,” “ Canada pest, 
11 Indian gravel root, an Indian remedy for calculi, 
"nigger heads,” "Indian chief,’ “Indian paint, 
“buffalo bur,” “buffalo berry,” "Indian pink,” 
" Indian hemp,” " wicopy,” a name borrowed from 
the Indians ; “ skunk spruce,” so called from its un¬ 
pleasant odour; "Indian maugey,” and "buffalo 
grass.” Among names connected with the Bible and 
religion are "Jacob’s ladder,’ "Adam and Eve, 
“Eve’s thread,” "Job’s tears,” and probably 
" lady’s tresses.” That superstition has also an 
influence on the naming of American plants is shown 
by the names "love Vine,” the plant so named 
having been used in love divinations, and “ unlucky 
tree (Pinus Banksiana), which owes its name to the 
Indian notion that it was unlucky for anyone, but 
especially for women, to stand under its boughs.— 
Manchester Guardian. 
-- 
THE COVERING OF 
BARE WALLS. 
In looking round many of the villa residences in the 
vicinity of our large towns, as well as when exploring 
the more pretentious houses of countrygentlemen.how 
often do we meet with that ugliest of objects to the 
eye of a gardener and the lover of beauty, a bare wall. 
When we take into consideration how often such a 
displeasing sight is met with, we are led to ask our¬ 
selves the question, " can such indifference be.” 
Surely there is a wealth of plants suitable for 
clothing these bare unsightly pieces of brick or stone¬ 
work, indeed there are very many subjects which 
need just such a position to enable them to show 
themselves off to advantage. Have people no taste ? 
or is it because they are not acquainted with plants 
suitable, that in so many cases no steps are taken to 
remedy what must always be a grave defect in 
gardens or pleasure grounds. I have in my mird’s- 
eye, a little village situated not a hundred miles 
from that town of seed and biscuit fame, Reading, 
which affords as good an example of what can be 
accomplished by the tasteful planting of even very 
humble and common subjects, as could possibly be 
desired. 
The village in question, consists of one street only, 
and with one or two exceptions, every house is cov¬ 
ered to a great extent with Ivy. The effect thus 
produced is really beautiful, and all the more striking, 
because so seldom met with. Indeed, I know of no 
other village where Ivy is so extensively grown as it 
is at this one. I am aware that a great prejudice 
exists in the minds of many against the use of Ivy 
for the purpose of covering the walls of houses. It 
is urged that it affords a refuge for vermin, and 
makes the wall damp and that its roots find their 
way into the mortar, loosen its hold of the brickwork 
and hasten the ruin of the wall. Like many other 
such plausible tales, however, imagination has 
entered largely into its composition for many of these 
so called evils are only fancied. 
If, however, the use of Ivy is objected to on any 
grounds whatsoever, there are plenty of other fine 
climbers that will produce quite as good effects, and 
concerning which such evil reports have not been 
circulated. A few of these I propose to enumerate, 
although the list might be made a very long one, if 
occasion required. 
Ampelopsis. —This genus is very closely allied to 
that of Vitis and contains some of our best known 
and handsomest climbers. The two species met with 
most frequently in gardens are Ampelopsis quinque- 
folia (A. hederacea) and A. tricuspidata, better 
known as A. Veitchii. The former species is 
common to North America, from whence it was 
brought to this country as far back as the year 1629. 
A. cuspidata is of far more recent introduction. A 
native of Japan, it was brought to this country about 
the year 1868. Both it, and the former species, 
have, however, established themselves high in the 
favour of the gardening public, and during Autumn 
many a house wall is adorned by the glowing crim¬ 
son tint of their ivy-like foliage. In places where 
elaborate dinner-table decoration is required, sprays 
of these beautiful climbers (particularly of A. quin- 
quefolia) are invaluable. Both these species are 
perfectly hardy, and being of strong constitution are 
specially adapted for planting in exposed situations. 
A little attention must be given them in the way of 
training, for a time at least. When they get well 
established, however, they will take care of them¬ 
selves. 
Clematis. —This is a genus of well-known hardy 
flowering shrubs or herbaceous perennials. Their 
great value as garden plants has attracted the 
attention of the hybridist, with the result that 
numerous varieties are in cultivation and more are 
continually following. Clematis vitalba, Old Man s. 
Beard or Traveller’s Joy, as it is sometimes called, 
is a well-known British plant. Its flowers, which 
appear in July, are white, and have a by no 
means unpleasant smell. Its seeds or carpels are 
furnished with a tail-like appendage, which gives it 
that beautiful feathery appearance in the Autumn, 
so much admired by every one. This plant has no 
superior as a decorative subject. Being of robust 
constitution, and perfectly hardy, it will thrive even 
under the most unfavourable conditions. 
Clematis Montana. — This beautiful early- 
flowering species is a native of Nepaul, and was 
introduced into England about the year 1830. It is 
a free grower, and a profuse bloomer, although it 
will need a sheltered position ; for, while it is hardy 
in the south of England, it will not stand the winter 
farther north. It is surprising that C. montana is so 
rarely met with, when we take into consideration its 
handsome appearance when in flower. 
Clematis caerulea and its forms. —Amalia, 
monstrosa, and Sophia, C. Jackmanni and its white 
form, Lord Londesborough, and Star of India are all 
good kinds and all perfectly hardy. While Clema¬ 
tises are easy of cultivation, they need good soil to 
grow in, and special attention must be paid to 
pruning and training. The methods of pruning 
must vary with the sort to be operated on. Thus, 
plants of the Jackmanni type, which flower upon the 
young growing summer wood, need different 
treatment to those, which, like the montana 
section, flower upon the wood produced during the 
previous season. When planting, a hole not less 
than two feet deep, and three feet in diameter, should 
be dug and filled up with good turfy loam and a 
liberal addition of stable manure. In a compost of 
this kind the young plants will soon established 
themselves. 
Crataegus Pyracantha. — The Evergreen 
Thorn is a native of Southern Europe. Its flowers, 
which open in May, are white, and not unlike those 
of the common Hawthorn. Its fine scarlet berries, 
which hang on its branches nearly all the winter, 
constitute its chief attraction, and render it a most 
desirable subject for cultivation. 
Cotoneaster microphylla. —This is, perhaps, 
the handsomest and most useful member of this 
genus, which comprises about fifteen distinct 
species. Its pink flowers appear during April and 
May, but like Crataegus Pyracantha the bright 
coloured berries give it its chief value. Both these 
last-named plants require to be securely tied or nailed, 
as their branches are particularly weighty. 
Hederas. —Mention has already been made of the 
common Ivy, Hedera Helix and of its beauty and 
value for covering unsightly objects. There are 
many forms of it now upon the horticultural market, 
in which, exclusive of the variegated sorts, a variety 
of cutting of the leaf is exhibited that is really 
astonishing, For covering old tree stumps, or walls, 
as a screen for objects it is desirable to hide, or for a 
covering for arbours, etc., nothing can be used to 
such advantage as some of these very pretty 
varieties. Hedera Helix digitata, H. H. lucida, H. 
H. lobata major, and H. H. algeriensis variegata, are 
some of the most distinct of them, although every 
nurserymen has his own pet varieties. 
Jasmines. —Several species in this well-known 
genus are worthy of notice, Jasminum officinale, the 
common white Jessamine, is a familiar inhabitant of 
our gardens. A native of Northern India, and ex¬ 
tending from thence into Persia, it was first brought 
to this country in the year 1548. Its beautiful white 
sweet-scented flowers are in especial favour with all 
classes. Other species which are perfectly hardy 
with us are the yellow-flowered J. revolutum, a 
native of India, and J. nudiflorum. The last-named 
species is particularly valuable on account of its 
flowering during the winter months. It will grow 
in almost any situation, and is an exceedingly orna¬ 
mental climber. It was introduced from China no 
farther back than the year 1844. Whilst mentioning 
winter flowering subjects, I must not pass over the 
beautiful Chimonanthus fragrans. This pretty 
Japanese shrub produces its flowers during 
December and January. The flowers are whitish, 
or yellow in colour, with a purple centre, and 
deliciously fragrant. Flowering at such a time, a 
south, or south-western position, should be accorded 
it; although a few degrees of frost do not appear to 
damage the blossoms so much as one might expect 
from their fragile appearance. 
Lonicera fragrantissima and L. Standishii are 
invaluable plants, blooming as they do, early in 
spring. Pyrus japonica.—This handsome deciduous 
shrub was introduced from Japan about the year 
1815. It is very suitable for planting in almost any 
situation, although it prefers a south, south-west or 
western aspect. It is a profuse flowerer, and the 
deep, rich scarlet of the blooms contrast beautifully 
with the dark green of the leaves. 
Roses. —These are a host in themselves. Their 
floriferousness, the sweet smell and great beauty of 
their blooms, combined with the ease with which 
they may be grown, have all combined to make them 
first favourites with all classes. Amongst those of 
climbing habit, Climbing Jules Margottin, Charles 
Lefebre, Victor Verdier, W. A. Richardson, Madame 
Falcot, Marechal Niel, and Crimson Rambler are 
some of the best, Gloire de Dijon being very suit¬ 
able for planting in exposed situations, which w'ould 
be too bleak for those of tenderer constitution. 
Tecoma radicans or Trumpet flower.—This plant 
which often goes under the name of Bignonia 
radicans, is a native of North America, from whence 
it was introduced to this country as long ago as 
1640. It will succeed well in the South of England 
if trained to a south wall. A good, rich soil is 
required for it with a plentiful supply of water during 
the spring and summer months. 
Wistaria chinensis. —With this fine old flower¬ 
ing subject I must bring to a close a list that might 
be indefinitely extended. A finer sight than a large 
specimen of this plant in full flower it would be difficult 
to imagine. Another species hailing from Japan, 
W. Multijuga, is more seldom met with, although it 
is well worthy of every commendation that cou’d 
be bestowed upon it. The racemes of flower in this 
latter species are more slender and a great deal 
longer than are those of the former. I have seen 
them upwards of 18 in. in length and of an exceed- 
ingly graceful character.— A. S. G. 
•Hardening ||iscellany. 
CRYSTAL PALACE FRUIT SHOW: HOUR OF 
JUDGING. 
Will you kindly insert the following note:—To 
prevent any possible error as to the hour at which 
the judging will begin at this show may I ask you to 
state that it will be 11.30 punctually. On the entry 
form, which each exhibitor signs, he " undertakes to 
have finished staging by 11 a.m. punctually,” but on 
page 20 of the schedule, Regulation VII. has 
accidently slipped in as a reprint from the Society’s 
annual schedule, in which the usual time at our 
fortnightly meetings at 12 o'clock has remained un¬ 
altered. By their written “undertaking” the ex¬ 
hibitors are bound to be ready by 11, it will therefore 
be no hardship to them (particularly after this 
notice) to insist on the show being cleared at 11.15, 
and the judges commencing punctually at 11.30.— 
W. Wilks, Secretary. 
THE MONTBRETIAS. 
Your correspondent “ W. H. ” on p. 36 of 15th Sep¬ 
tember issue has justly drawn attention to the 
culture of the lovely Montbretias for which he has 
certainly not said too much—but the impression left 
upon my mind is that his remarks will tend to limit 
rather than extend their cultivation. It cannot be 
too generally known that even in the extreme North 
of England, at Alnwick in Northumberland it has 
proved itself perfectly hardy, and if my experience of 
it can in any way be made useful, I am pleased 
to give it in favour of so beautiful and decorative a 
subject. I have grown them at least for five or six 
years without protection of any kind or at any time 
of the year, away from wails, in the open and have 
now a bed 27 ft. long by 15 ft. wide, a complete mass 
of bloom. A small portion of the bed was planted 
nearly two years ago, the larger portion not quite a 
