494 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



what to avoid in one case and adopt in another, must be an invaluable 

 adviser. If in nothing more than in the selecting of the varieties of 

 fruits, shrubs, and trees that are likely to give satisfaction in different 

 soils and situations and districts, the satisfaction of having been 

 advised with discrimination is worth very much, to say nothing of 

 the absolute gain. 



NOTES ON "AMERICAlSr" OR PEAT -SOIL SHRUBS. 



POLYGALA. 



Of this somewhat extensive and popular genus, the only ligneous 

 species hardy enough for open-air culture in Britain is chamoebuxus, a 

 pretty dwarf evergreen, found wild in several countries of continental 

 Europe, particularly Austria, where in some districts it occurs in 

 great abundance, growing in mountain forests and on heaths. 



It is one of the most useful of our diminutive peat-soil shrubs, its 

 dense dwarf habit of growth, never exceeding a few inches in height, 

 elegant box-like foliage, and thorough hardiness, admirably adapting 

 it for the margins of beds, or as an edging plant in the American gar- 

 den ; while it may be associated in mixed beds with Heaths, Menziesias, 

 and other plants of similar habit, with the happiest effect. 



With the ordinary soil and treatment necessary for the other Ameri- 

 can plants it thrives to perfection, and seldom fails to produce its gay 

 light-yellow flowers profusely during the greater part of the summer. 



EPIG^A. 



The species repens, the only representative of this genus in cultiva- 

 tion, is a beautiful little creeping evergreen, never rising above the 

 surface of the ground, producing freely its long tubular white, and 

 sometimes light-pink, fragrant flowers from May to July. The leaves, 

 of a cordate-ovate shape, are about the size of the common Lauristinus, 

 and are, along with the stems, densely clothed with minute hairs. 



Though a native of pine -woods, shady rocks, and stony hills in 

 many districts of Canada and the United States, it has been found 

 barely equal to our climate ; and unless the situation is peculiarly 

 favourable, requires some such protection as is afforded by a hand- 

 glass or Spruce branches during the severer portion of the winter — 

 an indulgence which it richly deserves, as there are few plants more 

 pleasing when in flower, and more deserving of careful attention. It 

 requires a good supply of rough sandy peat, and to be planted in a 

 dry, somewhat shady situation, such as the east aspect of a rockery or a 

 bank partially shaded with trees. A few rough pieces of sand or small 

 stones scattered on the surface will be found beneficial, by preventing 



