Some UcglcttciJ frees ;in^ Sh'ubs. 



^j^f^HERE are many beautiful and valuable trees that have not found their way 



•pL generally into cultivation ; we can count but one specimen of Cedar of Leba- 

 non of commanding size in the United States, probably from the circumstance 

 that the seeds rarely, if ever, vegetate when imported. Our ancestors were not 

 much in the habit of importing trees, and we now lament the deficiency of the variety 

 that so much delights the traveller abroad. That single specimen is in "Westchester 

 County, New York, and is a noble and expressive, as well as historical tree. This 

 cedar should not be neglected by planters ; its growth is thought to be slow, and too 

 few of us are willing to purchase what will not attain some stateliness in the lifetime 

 of an individual. But it is usually starved and stunted in a pot before it is planted 

 out; then most generally ti'eated to a poor sandy, dry soil. In a good, firm, loamy 

 soil, at least in this country, it will nearly rival the Deodar in rapidity of growth ; 

 in a rich soil, rather moist, this beautiful tree is a fast grower, though this is con- 

 trary to the received opinion. 



The most beautiful trees are frequently the most rare among us ; even some which 

 are native continue extremely scarce. As an instance, the Magnolia macrophylla, a 

 native of Florida and perfectly hardy here, is too seldom met with in perfection, and 

 is scarce in most nurseries, though a demand is producing its sure result, a supply. 

 The long leaves, peculiar growth, and superb flower, all point it out as one of the 

 most desirable and ornamental. 



The Gordonia pubescens, and the lasianthos are rarely seen; we have a specimen of 

 the first forty feet in height, which annually sheds in September its thousands of single 

 camelia-like flowers, that fairly perfume the air. It is hardy in this latitude on high 

 ground, and after it is once established is never injured by cold. 



The Magnolia grandiflora, that most superb of evergreens, is hardy in some situa- 

 tions near Philadelphia. Two large specimens are growing on the farm of Owen 

 Sheridan, Esq., at Chestnut-Hill, and have never been protected within the memory 

 of man. Annually it gives forth its superb blossoms, which are sent round the 

 neighborhood in profusion. Other specimens exist and flourish here ; but in lati. 

 tudes a very little south of this city they have nothing to contend against. At Nor- 

 folk and Richmond they attain great size, and fairly sparkle in the sun, yielding a 

 second bloom in August. Plant it, all who can obtain it, if only a single tree. 



The Holly is a sadly neglected tree, but from the recent notices of it may become 

 ere long a favorite native. While wc are courting the growth of half hardy foreign- 

 ers, let us not omit the planting of one of the best of our own. 



The Virgilia lutea, or Yellow-wood, is extremely rare and scarce in the nurseries. 

 A native of Tennessee, and indigenous to but a small district, the seeds have been 

 difiicult to procure, and hqre it rarely perfects them. Its fine racemes of flowers 

 beautiful leaf, peculiar stem, and the superb autumn yellow of its foliage, make 



VOL. 5. L 1. 



