410 BKECK'S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



writer says: "One of the most pleasing .and picturesque 

 objects we recollect ever to have seen, was a large Cy- 

 donia whilst in full bloom, partially imbedded in a late 

 snow; the branches weighed down thereby, and the rich 

 brilliant blossom*, peeping through their chaste covering." 

 /A variety with double flowers lias recently been introduc- 

 ed. It succeeds in any good garden soil, and is prop- 

 agated by layering and by suckers. 



CYTISUS. LABURNUM. 



[An ancient classical name.] 



Cf tisus LaMrnum, Golden Chain. A tall and elegant 

 shrub or low tree, which, when in bloom, is laden with 

 long, pendulous clusters of golden, pea-shaped flowers, 

 similar in appearance to those of the Locust. Blooms the 

 last of May or in June, and is most rich and beautiful. 

 The variety C. leucanthum, has cream-colored flowers. 

 There is also a purple-flowering species, C. purpureus, 

 which grows two feet high, but the first mentioned is the 

 most desirable of all the species and varieties. 



DAPHNE. MEZEREUM. 



[A name from ancient mythology.] 



Daphne Meztfreum, Mezereum. This has long been 

 in cultivation, and is much esteemed for its early flower- 

 ing and fragrance. The flowers come out before the 

 leaves, early in the spring; they grow in clusters, all 

 around the shoots of the former year. 



" Though leafless, well attired, and thick beset 

 With blushing wreaths, investing every spray." 



The flowers are succeeded by brilliant scarlet berries, 

 which are a powerful poison. Another variety has white 



