A Monograph. Comprising the History, Uses, Characteristics, and Affinities of the Plant, and a Descriptive List of all the Garden Ivies in Cultivation.
By SHIRLEY HIBBERD.
Contents.—I. Preparatory Observations.—II. Historical and Literary Memoranda.—III. The Characteristics of the Plant.—IV. Uses of the Ivy.—V. The Cultivation of the Ivy.—VI. The Species and Varieties of the Ivy.—VII. Descriptive List of Garden Ivies:—1. Green-leaved climbing forms of Hedera helix. 2. Variegated climbing forms of H. helix. 3. Green-leaved arborescent forms of H. helix. 4. Variegated arborescent forms of H. helix. 5. Green-leaved climbing forms of H. grandifolia (canariensis). 6. Variegated climbing forms of H. grandifolia. 7. Green-leaved arborescent forms of H. grandifolia. 8. Variegated arborescent forms of H. grandifolia. 9. Green-leaved climbing forms of H. coriacea (colchica). 10. Green-leaved arborescent forms of H. coriacea.—VIII. Selections of Ivies, comprising the most Distinct and Beautiful in the several Sections.
“Mr. Shirley Hibberd has performed an acceptable task in laying before the public, in this pretty volume, the results of his experience. The writer evidently found his task a pleasant one, and he has executed it pleasantly. He descants on the characteristics of the plant, the uses to which it may be put, and gives a long descriptive catalogue of the several varieties. Numerous illustrations are given which appear to us to be very faithful representations.”—Athenæum.
“Among the numerous gift-books of the season there is not one more truly elegant or more fitted, by its very beautiful coloured plates, and other well-engraved illustrations, to constitute a dainty present than Shirley Hibberd’s ‘Monograph of the Ivy.’ Until we read this charming book, enriched as it is with vignettes of old castles ivy-covered, we had no idea how much the ivy could be rendered permanently useful in the decoration of a room, or add to the beauty of a garden in winter. We would heartily recommend the purchase of the volume for its real value, as well as for its beauty.”—The Treasury of Literature.
“In the charmingly attractive and lavishly, as well as beautifully illustrated, book before us, the subject has been so dealt with as to be exhausted. Everything that we desire to know, all indeed, that we can know, concerning the ivy, has been supplied to us by a most conscientious and intelligent guide. The best authorities are quoted; science and art have been valuable contributors; the aid of a hundred poets is evoked; and the result is one of the most pleasant and instructive books of the season.”—Art Journal.
“The volume is charmingly got up, and the wood engravings, in addition to the coloured plates, are profuse.”—Standard.
“A gracefully conceived, and well wrought out work, with excellent and faithful illustrations.”—Daily Telegraph.
“Mr. Shirley Hibberd’s ‘Monograph of the Ivy’ is a fine work, and forms an enduring monument of his literary research, original inquiry, breadth of generalization, and patient and successful cultural skill; should the work become as popular as it deserves to be, ivy-hunting will become as favourite a pastime as fern-gathering.”—Scotsman.