SELECT LISTS OF PLANTS. 283 



by birds. Propagated by seeds, which should be sown in the fall, or as 

 soon as ripe. 



Mespilus (Medlar). Low-growing, hardy trees closely allied to the 

 common Pear and Quince, and of the Rose Family. Propagated by 

 seed, and grafting on various stocks. (See Chapter XVIII.) 



Mezereum. See Daphne. 



Morus (Mulberry). A genus of few species, but these extending 

 around the world in the Northern Hemisphere. They are principally 

 trees of moderate size, but of great importance to mankind. The leaves 

 of the oriental species supply the silkworm with food, the timber is also 

 valuable for fuel and other purposes, and some of the varieties, like the 

 Downing Mulberry, produce excellently flavored fruit. The species are 

 propagated by seed, layers, and by cuttings of the mature wood taken 

 off in the fall. Most of the cultivated varieties are readily increased by 

 cuttings, but an occasional one is found rather difficult to propagate in 

 this way, and root-grafting in winter or spring is resorted to in its propa- 

 gation. 



Myrtus (Myrtle). A genus of evergreen shrubs and trees, very few 

 cultivated outside of tropical countries. The common Myrtle ( J/. corn- 

 munis), and its varieties, are well known greenhouse shrubs. Propagated 

 by cuttings of the gre n shoots under glass. 



Negundo (See Acer, Maple). 



Nerium (Oleander). A genus of showy evergreen shrubs, natives of 

 the East Indies and Southern Europe. There are but few species, but 

 of the oldest and best known there are many varieties in cultivation. 

 They are very popular greenhouse plants, blooming the greater part of 

 the year. Readily propagated by cuttings planted in sand, and then kept 

 moist and warm. The half-ripened shoots will produce roots, if the 

 lower ends are kept immersed in water alone. 



Nyssa (Tupelo, Sour Gum Tree). A genus of North American decid- 

 uous trees, usually growing in moist soils or near the borders of streams. 

 Flowers small, greenish. Fruit, a one-seeded drupe, and in some of the 

 species edible. The Tupelos, although greatly admired for their deep, 

 glossy green foliage, which assumes a bright crimson color in autumn, 

 are rarely seen in cultivation, owing, it is said, to the difficulty of mak- 

 ing transplanted trees live. To prepare the trees for safe removal, when 

 of good size, the seedlings should be transplanted every two or three 

 years, and the soil above their roots covered with mulch. Propagated 

 by seed, which seldom germinates until the second year; and the seed- 

 bed must not be permitted to become dry from the time of sowing the 

 seed, until the plants have appeared and become well established. A 

 safe and certain mode of obtaining good plants for transplanting is to 

 raise them in pots plunged in a frame in the open ground. 



Olca (Olive). The common Olive tree (0. Europcca) is the most im- 

 portant species of the genus, yielding the well-known, edible, oily fruit 



