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GODEY'S

Lady's Book Book and and Magazine.

PHILADELPHIA, JULY, 1863.

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WHETHER a garden be large or small, there are few instances in which it may not be improved by means of some sort of rustic-work, in the way of trellised arches or fences, either for the purpose of dividing one part of the garden from another, or simply as an ornament in some suitable spot. The simplest form of trellis is a low fence composed of hazel stakes, driven into the ground in a slanting direction, with others crossing them at right angles; and these may be joined together by tying them at the top with pieces of thin copper wire, or slightly nailing them. This sort of fence an swers admirably for training nasturtiums or sweet peas, which may be sown close to it, and allowed to trail over it. Such a fence will last several years; but if it is desired to make it more durable, or carry it higher, it will be necessary to make it stronger with stout posts of the required height; these should be let into

the ground about two feet at regular distances. The part that is let into the ground may be made even more durable by giving it a coat of pitch, or by holding it in a fire till the part is blackened or charred, but not burned away. This has a wonderful effect in adding durability to the wood in resisting damp, which is the first thing to be guarded against. When the posts are in their places, and firmly rammed down, it is advisable to tie them together with stakes cut to the required length, and then proceed to nail hazel rods crosswise, or in any ornamental style-and this is easily suggested on the spot; it may also be a means of testing the ingenuity of the operator, as it is never advisable to copy from others in such matters, since it ought not to be lost sight of that the surroundings, which may tally well with one style, may not suit another.

Wire trellises may be got ready made, and

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also wire arches of neat and often elegant patterns, which have only to be fixed in their places; and these are sometimes fixed over pathways, where climbing plants are trained over them; indeed, the chief uses of trellises and rustic-work of this kind is for the purpose of supporting climbing plants-a most important section, comprising some of the most ornamentai plants in cultivation, and will be sure to add an interesting feature to any garden where a little attention is given to them, and that of a suitable kind.

Garden trellises may be made both durable and exceedingly ornamental, by using suitable material, and exercising a little taste in the arrangement of it; in doing this there may be an endless diversity of form and pattern in the disposition of the smaller pieces; and, if well done, nothing adds more to the general effect of a garden, however small; but it is a too common practice to have them of deal wood, both posts and laths cut straight and planed smooth, and generally painted green, which takes off all rusticity from their appearance, until they are completely covered with such plants as are allowed to trail over them. In these structures a certain air of rusticity should be a characteristic feature, and where a person is at all capable of doing the work, it is better to do so than to employ a carpenter who does his work by line and rule. We do not think we can do better here than to copy the following from the "Gardeners' Weekly Magazine and Floricultural Cabinet," which applies very much to the point, and expresses most of what we would say :—

"The chief requisites for the structures here figured, are generally to be found growing upon

the place; and if a person can only spare the time necessary for building them, there is not otherwise any great expense incurred. When well done and judiciously placed, they add exceedingly to the interesting features of a garden. The accompanying designs are to be carried out in larch poles or oak saplings, always with the bark on; they are useful for throwing across a walk at any part where a semi-division of the ground is required-where the more highly dressed portion of the ground merges into the wilderness, the fernery, the rose-garden, etc.; or may encircle any special nook set apart for any special purpose. These sorts of things will hardly look amiss anywhere, as they would be, of course, covered with climbers-as roses, honeysuckles, jasmines, pyracantha, cotoneaster, clematis, etc.; or otherwise with ivy-a class of plants, generally speaking, too little grown. The distance from column to column may be regulated according to circumstances; as also their height; but from seven to eight feet in the width of openings, and from seven to nine feet in the height of columns, will be about the best proportions; of course using the greatest height where the columns are furthest apart, and vice versa. The principal posts should be about five to seven inches in diameter, and the filling-up stuff about two inches. The iron bows over Figs. 1 *and 3 are formed of round iron rods, five-eighths of an inch in diameter. Collectors of climbing plants cannot adopt a better mode of displaying them than these trellises; when covered with species and varieties of clematis, they are most beautiful ornaments to a garden.'

One of the best climbing plants for trellises is jasminum nudiflora-the yellow naked flow

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