around the sides also, raising the bed somewhat above the level of the ground; the cavity in the centre is then filled up, generally with fine light rich soil, using as much of the soil that was dug out as is fit to be used, and arranging the remainder round the edge of the raised bed, covering it neatly with turf. The soil may vary in depth from three feet to eighteen inches, according to the kinds of plants to be grown in it. In this way, by presenting a larger surface to the sun, it is considered that a greater amount of heat is obtained; but I certainly think the advantages of the method are not so great in this way as is generally supposed, and that it is quite needless to adopt it in the case of the great majority of subjects. Its chief merit probably is that it secures a better drainage. Good drainage is undoubtedly indispensable, and, still more so, a thoroughly rich and light mass of deep soil, with abundance of water; without these two last conditions it is hopeless to expect a free rich growth, which is the great charm of these plants. Ricinus, Cannas, Ferdinanda, and some of the freer-growing kinds certainly succeed perfectly without any such arrangement as that above described. The more delicate kinds, such as the Solanums and Wigandia macrophylla, would be those most likely to be benefited by it. It is needless to say, that the numerous fine and hardy subjects enumerated in Part II. do not require anything of the kind, although they too will, as a rule, be fine in proportion to the care bestowed in securing for them a deep and rich body of soil.
One most essential matter is the securing of as perfect shelter as is possible. Warm, sunny, and thoroughly sheltered dells should be chosen where convenient; and, in any case, positions which are sheltered should be selected, as the leaves of all the better kinds suffer very much from strong winds, from which they will be protected if judiciously planted near sheltering banks and trees. Even in quite level districts it will be possible to secure shelter, by planting trees of various kinds, among which such graceful conifers as Thujopsis borealis, Thuja gigantea (true), Cupressus macrocarpa, Cryptomeria elegans, etc., should be freely used in the foreground, as in beauty of form they are unsurpassed by any short-lived inhabitants of the summer garden. Except, however, in the case of the Tree-ferns, and various other things not grown in the open air but simply placed there for the summer, it is very desirable not to place the plants in the shade of trees. All the things which have to grow in the open air should be placed in the full sun. Not a few hardy subjects will thrive very well without any but ordinary shelter, as, for example, the Yuccas and Acanthuses; but, judging by the remarkable way in which the hardy Bamboo thrives when placed in a sheltered dell, shelter has a considerable influence on the well-being even of these, as it must have on all subjects with large leaf-surfaces. But it should not be forgotten that shelter may be well secured without placing the beds or groups so near trees that they will be robbed, shaded, or otherwise injured by them.
W. R.
PART II.
