TREES AND SHRUBS FOR PLANTING IN TOWNS. 139 
proved themselves to be useful plants for doing battle with the 
smoke and impure air of towns. They are both highly ornamental 
when in flower, not fastidious as to soil, and of neat habit. In 
and around London almonds are largely planted, as they are so 
ornamental, so free in flowering, and so easily managed. Of the 
typical A. communis there are numerous distinct varieties, in- 
cluding some with much larger and brighter flowers, one of the 
best of which is A. communis major. 
Kelreuteria paniculata is a very handsome shrub or small- 
growing tree, particularly when in flower, and it is one of the 
best of town plants. In many of our most smoke-infested 
towns—Warrington, and the outskirt districts of Liverpool and 
Manchester—it grows with great freedom, and produces in great 
abundance, during June and July, its panicles of showy yellow 
flowers. Although the Kelreuteria hails from China, it may be 
relied upon as perfectly hardy in perhaps every part of the 
British Isles. 
The Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus) finds a congenial home in 
many a London garden, where it has proved itself to be a 
decided acquisition. It is a plant of bright appearance, and as 
free-flowering a subject as there is in the whole range of hardy 
shrubs. Cuttings inserted in sandy soil during August root freely, 
and soon form sturdy plants that in a couple of years are fit for 
transferring to their permanent quarters. 
Weigelia rosea and W. amabilis are both highly ornamental 
shrubs, of the freest growth, and well suited for planting in 
smoky localities. In many of the London gardens these shrubs 
may be seen in a satisfactory state, showing but few of the 
bad effects that generally attend town shrubs. Both are of 
simple culture, easily propagated, and not fastidious as to the 
soil. 
Deutzia scabra is another neat-growing and highly desirable 
plant for the town garden. It flowers, in such situations, with 
unusual freedom, ripening its young wood well, and showing 
but little traces of its struggle with the impure atmosphere. 
It may be trimmed in at will, is readily propagated from 
cuttings, and succeeds well in a great variety of soils and 
situations. 
The common Box (Suaus sempervirens) and the Tree Box 
(B. sempervirens arborescens) are largely used in town parks, 
squares, and gardens. The thick leathery foliage is well suited 
