216 STATE FOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



tion to jn-oclaim the advance of spring, and are always intimately associated 

 with the return of the genial season. In this connection Cqwper's description 

 -of the Lilac is worthy of quotation : 



"The lilac varies in array; now white, 

 Now sanguine, and her beauteous head now set 

 With purple spikes, studious of ornament, 

 Yet unresolved which hue she most approved 

 She chose them all." 



T riie colors and shades of its flowers, in its many varieties, are manifold, and 

 no less in this respect than in their delicate grace and exquisite fragrance do 

 they merit the esteem of the lovers of floriculture. 



It is adapted to almost any soil and climate. In park or garden, lawn or 



hedge, it lays claim to distinction for effectiveness and beauty. In city gardens, 



where there is only limited space, it is one of the cleanest and most satisfactory 



•of shrubs, either as a well-shaped bush or a low tree with neatly balanced head. 



But it is in large places that its charms can be displayed to the best advan- 

 tage. In lawns, where large clumps of the snowy-colored varieties can be 

 planted, it has few superiors in point of brilliancy and fragrance. Clumps of 

 Lilac Josikaea are introduced with fine effect in the Central Park, and, when in 

 flower, are among its striking attractions. 



In this climate it takes the place of the Rhododendron, so much prized in 

 England. Besides being very hardy, it has the additional advantage of its 

 fragrance, which the hardy Rhododendrons do not possess. 



In grounds sufficiently large, it can be used for ornamental hedges. Its dark 

 green foliage is not affected by atmospheric changes nor has it any insect 

 enemies. It, therefore, always forms a clean and handsome background, and 

 when in flower, is a feature of the park or garden. 



Where Privet hedges are already grown, the Lilac can be grafted with no lit- 

 tle effectiveness, at intervals of about ten to fifteen feet. The Lilac grafts, 

 when grown, project over the Privet, and form round or pyramidal heads, 

 varying the monotony of the ordinary formal hedge. 



By many the Lilac and other highly fragrant flowering shrubs are considered 

 invigorating and healthy as atmospheric purifiers and dispellers of noxious 

 vapors. I well recollect when the cholera was raging throughout Europe, in, I 

 think, 1830, the savants of the city of Stuttgart, where I was then residing, 

 ordered the burning of fragrant herbs in the market-place, to prevent infection. 

 Whether owing to this means or not, the city escaped the dreadful scourge. 



Culture and Management. 



Although it will thrive and flower in any soil, an annual top-dressing of 

 stable manure will well repay the trouble and expense, in the fuller develop- 

 ment and beauty of both flowers and foliage. 



Half standards for single specimens can be grown cither on their own roots, 

 or grafted on the common sorts, as well as on the Ash or Privet. In order to 

 render them attractive they must have well balanced, bushy heads, and be kept 

 in form by regular thinning and pruning. After the flowers have faded they 

 should be removed, in order to cause new growth that will ensure profuse 

 blooming the following season. By this means the flowers may also be very 

 much enlarged. 



