EFFECTS OF THE PAST WERTEB OH OTJT-DOOB 1'I.ANTS. 93 



of the eifects of the past winter on a number of plants that are likely, either from 



their beauty or rarity, to become generally admired. Berberis Darwini, the beauty 



of which has been so much praised— and it is worthy of it all — is perfectly hardy, 



and is now pushing out its charming flowers in thousands, neither frost nor wind 



have affected it in the least. Symplocos japonica, a rare and recently introduced 



shrub, which appears to be a half evergreen, is perfectly established as a hardy 



plant, and is now breaking its buds vigorously. Skimmia japonica is in bloom, and 



not a leaf is damaged, although the plants put out for experiment are but small, 



barely six inches high ; no further proof need be given of its hardiness. The 



Abelia uniflora, too, is in that respect all that could be desired. Cerasus ilicifolia 



in a very exposed place has suffered the loss of many of its leaves ; but this we 



think has arisen more from the effect of severe wind, than from frost alone. It 



may be considered hardy, and so may EscaUonia macrantha; the only damage it has 



sustained is the death of some of the old leaves. The plants are now looking 



healthy, and pushing vigorous shoots. 



Of the three species of Ceanothis, viz. rigidus, papilhsus, and dentatus, the 

 two latter have suffered most. They follow in degree of hardness, as we have 

 placed them. It may be worth while to say, that the plants alluded to are in the 

 open border, destitute of any protection. C. dentatus, which in many instances 

 has lost all its leaves and young shoots, is now breaking freely from the old 

 wood. Viburnum plicatum is wholly untouched. The plants first imported from 

 China, and having been three years in the open borders, are now clothed with 

 young shoots, and exhibit numerous heads of flowers. Cupressus funebris has 

 passed the ordeal well ; no doubts need be entertained of its hardiness. The 

 beautiful little Azalea amosna, after bearing all the vicissitudes of the past year, 

 is just bursting into bloom. It looks as hardy as one could wish, and has not, 

 from the influence of the weather, lost a leaf. The three new kinds of Ilex, micro- 

 carpa, cornuta and /areata, are also in robust health ; they are perfectly hardy. 

 Daphne japonica and D. hjbrida are both unhurt. In one or two instances where 

 succulent young growths were' subjected to the severe frost and parching winds, 

 the leaves were somewhat damaged ; but such cannot be considered as in any way 

 detracting from their hardiness. They may be planted in the open border, without 

 fear of damage from severe weather. Indigo/era decora has stood the frosts well, 

 and is now breaking strongly. 



Now of the Sihkim Rhododendrons, about which so many doubts have been expressed. 

 Small plants of nearly all the species have been placed in the open ground for 

 experiments, and, judging from their appearance while we write, we have no 

 hesitation in pronouncing them quite hardy. They are grown side by side with 

 ordinary hardy hybrid kinds, and they have endured the past severe weather 

 with equal impunity. 



