THE MAGNOLIA. 111 
fragrant flowers, which hang so thickly from among 
its fine cut foliage, will always entitle it to our admi- 
ration. 
But perhaps we may consider the Magnolia as 
standing at the head of the list of flowering trees, 
for the elegance as well as the great size of its blossoms. 
One species called the Umbrella Tree, produces flowers 
in considerable abundance, each measuring about 18 
inches in diameter when fully expanded ; they are 
pure white, and possessed of a very fine odor. An- 
other species, which grows in the Southern States, 
forms a handsome tree of about 30 or 40 feet in 
height, and in the early summer months is loaded 
with its large white blossoms, which are about 5 
inches in diameter. The fragrance of these flowers 
is such as to be quite perceptible at some distance. 
This tree remains green during the winter, and only 
drops its leaves as a new set are produced to replace 
them. 
