Magnolia. 87 



in early spring are crowded with white blossoms in advance 

 of the foliage. The leaves are from three to five inches 

 long, elliptic in form, and abundant. The flowers are also 

 small, some three inches across, with about fifteen narrow 

 petals, slightly reflexed, encompassing a cluster of bright 

 yellow stamens. They are somewhat star-shaped, fragrant, 

 and of longer continuance than those of most of the 

 species and varieties. The plant is of slow growth, but 

 has the advantage of coming into blossom when very 

 small, and, under favoring conditions, every season. It is 

 claimed to be the earliest bloomer of all the magnolias, as 

 well as the most profuse. Its usefulness in the garden is 

 sometimes impaired by late frosts and heavy rains, as it 

 does not always wait for settled weather. But this is true 

 of nearly all early flowering plants, such as insist upon 

 crowding the season. No one will make a mistake in 

 planting this magnolia, however small his grounds. 

 Specimens less than two feet high often produce flowers 

 freely, and so apparently out of season when contrasted 

 with the surroundings as to be of especial interest. The 

 plant is hardy, and thrives in ordinary soils, preferring, 

 however, leaf mould and peaty substance with plenty of 

 moisture. This magnolia has long been a favorite with 

 the Japanese flower lovers. 



M. watsonii, newly introduced to the public, comes 

 from Japan, and is a well-formed tree, producing obovate 

 leaves five to seven inches long and about three inches 

 wide. These are bright green above, veined and margined 

 with yellow. The under surface is a paler shade of green, 

 and, especially in the younger growth, covered with silky 



