1 80 Subtropical Gardening. 



Hibberd says he has found Scott's Monarch to be the 

 most imposing and ornamental of all the garden'varieties. 



*Rhus Cotinus {Venetian Sumach). — A bushy shrub, 

 about 6? ft. high, with simple, smooth, shining green 

 leaves, and a very remarkable feathery inflorescence of a 

 deep red colour. It requires a dry, gravelly, warm soil, 

 and will grow in the most arid positions. Where it 

 thrives the effect of its peculiar inflorescence is very fine 

 and distinct. It is used with most effect as an isolated 

 specimen, though it would group very well with such 

 plants as Lindley's Spiraea. S. Europe. 



*Rhus glabra laciniata. — This variety of the 

 smooth or scarlet Sumach is a small shrub with compound 

 leaves, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, a native of 

 North America, with finely-cut and elegant leaves, the 

 strongest being about a foot long when the plants have 

 been established a year or two. When seen on an estab- 

 lished plant, these leaves combine the beauty of those of 

 the finest Grevillea with that of a fern frond, while 

 the youngest and unfolding leaves remind one of the 

 aspect of a finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring. The 

 variety observable in the shape, size, and aspect of the 

 foliage makes the plant charming to look upon, while 

 the midribs of the fully-grown leaves are red, and in 

 autumn the whole glow off into bright colour after the 

 fashion of American shrubs and trees. During the entire 

 season it is presentable, and there is no fear of any vicissi- 

 tude of weather injuring it. Its great merit is that, in 

 addition to being so elegant in foliage, it has a very dwarf 

 habit, and is thoroughly hardy. Plants three years old 

 and undisturbed for the last two years are not more 



