DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 485 



color. The flowers, of a pleasing cream color, are small, but in 

 large flat clusters, in June. When in bloom the tree is showy ; and 

 it has a pleasing appearance at other times. The berries are pur- 

 plish-black, ripe in September, and valuable, like those of our na- 

 tive sort, for making wine. A wine is also made from the flowers. 



THE MOUNTAIN ELDER, S. racemosa, is a shrub from ten to 

 twelve feet in height, " a native of the middle and south of Eu- 

 rope, and Siberia, on the mountains, where it forms a large shrub, 

 or low tree, growing from ten to twelve feet high" (Loudon). It 

 is remarkable for the color of its panicles of fruit, which are a bril- 

 liant scarlet, and considered by some the most beautiful of wild 

 fruits. The leaves are composed of five leaflets, of a pale green 

 color, and smooth. Flowers a whitish-green. Why is it not cul- 

 tivated in our nurseries ? 



THE VARIEGATED-LEAVED ELDER. S. variegata. This is one of 

 the most showy of variegated-leaved shrubs. The growth is strong 

 and healthy, the leaves are mottled with a clear yellow, and pre- 

 serve their bright color throughout the season. 



THE EUONYMUS. Euonymus. 



Shrubs, or small trees, popularly known by the names straw- 

 berry tree, spindle tree, and burning bush. Different species of 

 the euonymus are indigenous in America, Europe and Asia. There 

 are several varieties of decided beauty. The name burning-bush, 

 given to both the common European and American euonymus, well 

 describes them as seen at a distance when covered with their pen- 

 dant crimson or scarlet seed-capsules in October and later ; and 

 especially when seen in the thickets of a forest. They are all of 

 easy culture, hold their leaves longer than many other shrubs, and 

 turn to fine colors in autumn. 



THE AMERICAN EUONYMUS, E. americana, forms a pretty little 

 umbrella-shaped tree, from six to ten feet high, with pretty green 

 striped bark, and dark glossy leaves, somewhat resembling those of 

 the dogwood family. It is a pleasing tree or shrub without its 

 fruit, though it is for the beauty given it in autumn and winter by 



