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120 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIEIY. 



The shrub, whether planted for ornamental or floral purposes on 

 the grounds, fills a place at all times attractive and though it were but 

 an uncared for straggling bush, in some part of the spring or summer 

 when it may be covered with bloom the most obdurate and critical in 

 their taste would find a charm in — 



" Each floral bell that swingeth. 

 Spreading its perfume on the passing air. " 



Especially are shrubs desirable to the general planter. They are 

 hardy, need but little care and are easily propagated ; most can be 

 grown from cuttings, by layers, by dividing, by side-shoots and root 

 cutting. We said they would grow with little labor, but their response 

 to those little things we call high cultivation will be seen in the size» 

 richness and abundance of bloom, as well as the luxuriance and lustre 

 of the foliage. 



Of the mode of training and culture, their useful adaptations in 

 ornamental planting is not our purpose now to speak, but to note some 

 of the most desirable, with their habits, that will give a succession of 

 bloom from early spring till summer late. 



While the snow is still lingering on the northern slopes, the Daphne 

 ushers in the floral reign of spring, and before a leaflet appears, its 

 branches are 



" Well attired and thick beset 

 With blushing wreaths investing every spray." 



The golden bells of the Forsythia, half hidden amid the deep 

 green foliage, at this season the more attractive, is a pretty sight ; un- 

 fortunately, this is only half-hardy, and needs protection. 



The excellence of the Juneberry cannot be praised too highly, its 

 white flowers covering the tree in April, and becoming very ornamen- 

 tal in fall by the purplish red hue of its leaves. 



The Japan Quince, too, is a desirable shrub on account of its hardi- 

 hood and early habit of bloom j the appearance of its flowers are very 

 brilliant, and the poet has spoken of it in this strain : 



" Wreathed in deep crimson buds — the fairy fires 

 That gleam and glow amid the wintry scenes, 

 Lighting their ruddj^ beacons at the sun." 



To melt away the snow, as the days pass on and lengthen, the fra- 

 grance of the Golden Currant fills the air, the little Almond, pink and 

 white, enliven the scene, while their more stately sister, the Flowering 

 Plum, vies with them in the greater delicacy of her colors. 



