below zero without injury when a protective mulch had been 
used. It is the alternate freezing and thawing during winter 
months that does harm to plants, hence the reason for using a 
mulch. In the case of Clematis the injury occurs at the collar 
of the plant. For regions north of Washington, mulching is 
especially recommended not only the first winter, but as a 
cheap insurance every winter. 
The large-flowered Clematis are an equally desirable adjunct 
to the small backyard garden, to the large estate, or to the public 
park, since they lend themselves to so many different treatments. 
Trellises, pergolas, arches, wire supports, fences, old stumps, 
and the like, make desirable supports for these extraordinary 
flowers. Clematis supported on wires make distinctive tracery 
on garden walls. Trellises covered with such species as Law- 
soniana, or Comtesse de Bouchaud, and Mme. Baron-Veillard, 
to mention only a few, add color and charm to any veranda and 
help greatly to connect the house with the garden. Many 
climbing plants are used for this purpose, and it is always wise 
to choose plants of distinction and character to create such 
[9] 
FAIRPORT, NEW YORK 
