40 THE CHRONICLES OF A GA.EDEN. 



the loss experienced when it is a " bad year " for the lilacs 

 and laburnums, or the enjoyment afforded by the full rich 

 abundance of massive clusters of lilac and golden shower- 

 like tresses of laburnum, while the snowy balls of the 

 guelder rose and the fragrant flowers of the hawthorn add 

 their charms, and every change of light from morn till eve 

 brings out a new beauty. 



The difference observable in the brilliancy and beauty 

 of the colours of flowers as they are seen by morning or 

 evening light is curious. Ehododendrons are especially 

 affected by it, the evening light bringing out, as it were, a 

 fulness as well as delicacy of colour in those beautiful 

 shrubs not discernible in the garish light of day. 



During the winter months we are apt to think that the 

 leafless branches of deciduous shrubs spoil the effect of the 

 clumps of evergreens, near or among which they may be 

 planted ; but certainly in summer these latter add greatly 

 to the beauty of the flowering shrubs, by the contrast their 

 dark-green foliage makes, especially when the flowers are 

 brought out as against a dark back-ground. Accidental 

 effects of this kind must often have been remarked, such 

 as a rose or honeysuckle which has insinuated itself into a 

 holly, and climbing up till it gets to the air and light, 

 covers the grave austere old tree with gay, bright, and 

 fragrant flowers. But perhaps the shrub that most en- 

 livens these groups of evergreens is the guelder rose or 

 wa3rfaring tree : the effect of this plant " tossing its balls of 

 foam " across or among the branches of a yew or laurel is 

 most beautiful. Whence it derives its name of wayfaring 



