154 EVERGREENS. 



ILEX. Linnceus. 

 (Holly.) 



All the species and varieties, of which there are now 

 a great many in cultivation, are deserving of notice, 

 whether as mere shrubbery plants, or as ornamental 

 specimens for the dressed lawn, for in whatever situation 

 they are employed, they will be found highly orna- 

 mental. Viewing them collectively, they are at once 

 rich in the colour of their foliage, neat in habit, 

 picturesque in form, and various in its character. 

 Loudon, in his "Arboretum," says, "As an orna- 

 mental shrub or low tree, the Holly is surpassed by no 

 evergreen whatever." All the kinds thrive best in a 

 rich light loam, but they will succeed in any ordinary 

 soil, provided it is not cold and wet. 



ILEX AQUIFOLIUM. Linnceu*. 

 (Common Holly.) 



One of the most useful evergreens we possess, 

 thriving well under a great diversity of circumstances. 

 In exposed situations, as an ornament in itself, or as 

 shelter for other trees, it is scarcely inferior to the 

 evergreen oak ; and as a hedge plant it has no rival, 

 either for appearance, efficacy, or durability. Objections 

 are sometimes made against its slow growth ; but such 

 are only tenable when the plant is young, for when it 

 is thoroughly established, it progresses quite as rapidly 

 as any other shrub, and as it bears clipping well, it 



