ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 



KALMIA Mountain Laurel. 



THE kalmias, or laurels, are among the most beauti- 

 ful plants in cultivation. They constitute a small 

 genus of the order Ericacecz, which was named by 

 Linnaeus in honor of Peter Kalm, who was at one time his 

 favorite pupil, and, later, a traveller and distinguished 

 botanist. They are all of American origin, and may be 

 found over a large extent of territory ranging from Canada 

 to Florida. But five or six species are known, and not 

 many established varieties, though there are some forms 

 so near the border between the two as to make it difficult 

 to draw the line with certainty. 



K. latifolia Calico Bush. This is the well-known 

 mountain laurel, which is indigenous to New England and 

 even much farther north, and may therefore be put down 

 as perfectly hardy and easily grown throughout the north 

 and northwestern States and Territories. It is found 

 high up among the New Hampshire mountains and often 

 in most inhospitable situations, as well as upon the Alle- 

 ghany ranges and Georgia hillsides. In protected situa- 

 tions, it sometimes grows to a height of fifteen to twenty 



