The Pyi'us Japonica is a native of Japan, and was intro- 

 duced into this country by Sir Joseph Banks in 1796. It 

 may be considered to rank among some other shrubs from that 

 country, as the most ornamental which are cultivated in our 

 gardens. It possesses in itself a peculiar recommendation, 

 from its blooming at a season when few other flowers appear. 

 Such flowers as present themselves before Spring has put on 

 her verdant robes are viewed with peculiar pleasure and de- 

 light, and in a manner invite us to look forward for that 

 season when Nature appears clothed in her loveliest hues. 

 The flowers of the Pynis Japonica are of a beautiful red, and 

 are in great abundance over the whole plant, with the excep- 

 tion of the last year's shoots : the oldest branches of the tree 

 will throw out spurs with flowers ; they begin to make their 

 appearance early in March, before the leaves, and continue in 

 perfect beaut)' until near the end of April : throughout the 

 summer a few blooms will occasionally appear. This plant 

 is with good effect frequently ti'ained against walls or trellis- 

 work, and forms a desirable shrub, to disperse among open 

 plantations and shrubberies, particularly if intermixed with 

 the white variety, as they are proved to endure the severity of 

 our winters. These shrubs are of free growth ; and when 

 planted against walls, pruning is necessary : some of the lux- 

 uriant young shoots may be removed without injui'y to the 

 plants. This species of Pyrus is easily propagated, either by 

 layers in the sprmg, or by cuttings in the autumn ; and it 

 adapts itself to almost any soil : in common garden earth it 

 grows freely ; and is found to flourish in the environs of 

 London. 



The figure here given was taken from a luxuriant specimen 

 against a south wall in Vincent-square, Westminster. 



REFERENCES TO THE PLATE. 



1 . Section of calyx^ showing the insertion of the stamens and pistils. 



2. One stamen and the pistils magnified. 



3. Outline of a perfect leaf. 



