274 PKOPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



sherry, white flowers, appealing in spring. Propagated by seed and 

 layers. 



Fraxinus (Ash). A genus of many species, mostly large, deciduous 

 trees of cold climates. Highly valued for their timber, as well as for 

 ornamental purposes. There are also a large number of varieties in cul- 

 tivation. The species are usually propagated by seed, which should be 

 gathered when ripe, in autumn, and either sown immediately, or packed 

 in moist sand and stored in a cool place, and then sown in spring, cover- 

 ing lightly with rich, loose soil. Sometimes the seeds will remain dor- 

 mant and not germinate until the following spring, and when this is 

 likely to occur, the seed-bed should not be permitted to become dry, 

 but given water or covered with some light, chaffy material to aid in 

 retaining moisture. The seed should also be examined when gathered, 

 to see if they contain a good, plump kernel, as seeds on isolated trees 

 are often defective or false, owing to non-fertilization of the flowers. 

 Varieties are propagated by budding and grafting in the open air. (See 

 Chapter XVIII., on Tree and Shrub Stocks.) 



Fremontia, An interesting, large, ornamental, deciduous shrub, 

 with yellow flowers. This genus is closely allied to the Basswoods or 

 Lindens. One species, F. Californica, is known locally in California as 

 " Slippery Elm," the inner bark being used as a substitute for that of 

 the Ulmus fulva. Vide Prof. Rothrock, botanist to Wheeler's expedi- 

 tion. Propagated by seed and layers. 



Fuchsia (Ladies' Eardrops). Well known and popular, tender, orna- 

 mental shrubs, mostly native of Mexico and South America. The F. 

 arborcsce)is of Mexico is said to grow to a height of ten to twelve feet in 

 its native habitats, but there are few other species and varieties that 

 exceed five or six feet. All are readily propagated by seeds and by cut- 

 tings of the young, tender shoots. 



Gardenia (Cape Jessamine). A very popular genus of evergreen 

 shrubs, producing sweet-scented flowers. The double flowered variety 

 of G. jlorida, from China, has long been a favorite greenhouse plant in 

 our Northern States, and a common garden shrub in the Southern. In 

 the South it is readily propagated by layers, but in cool climates by cut- 

 tings of the young, tender shoots, planted in close frames in the propa- 

 gating house, or in an ordinary warm greenhouse. 



Garrya.A small genus of evergreen shrubs, of the order Cornacece 

 (Dogwoods), native of the Rocky Mountain regions and the Pacific 

 Coast. The young branches and branchlets are somewhat four-angled ; 

 fruit, blue or purple. Seldom cultivated, and little is known of their 

 propagation further than by seed and layers. 



Genista. See Cylisus. 



Gleditschia (Honey Locust, Etc.) A genus of deciduous trees with 

 elegant, pinnate leaves, all of graceful habit ; but most of the species 

 produce simple or branching thorns of great strength as well as length, 



