without. It is a hardy shrub, growing in almost any soil and Amelan- 

 requiring no care. The stock may be increased by layers, chiers 

 cuttings, or suckers, taken in the autumn, and it is also quickly 

 raised from seed. The variety illustrated is the best of the 

 tribe, and a native of Canada. Amelanchier Vulgaris, or 

 Mespilus Amelanchier, a European variety, is also worth grow- 

 ing. Its white sprays of loose ragged flowers, two inches across, 

 are one of the delights of spring in the Pyrenees, where it 

 grows by the side of the road, much as the Blackthorn does 

 with us. 



Amelanchier Canadensis shows to the greatest advantage 

 if grouped by itself, and not crowded in a shrubbery, as the 

 growth is slender and the boughs have a downward tendency. 

 In April the trees are transformed into a shower of starry white 

 flowers. At Kew these are relieved by the dark green of Ilex 

 trees and the pink and rose colour of Peaches in the distance, 

 but they look equally well against the fresh green of Haw- 

 thorns. Under the falling sprays one might introduce clumps 

 of an early pink Tulip, such as Rosine, instead of the pale 

 Daffodils of the sketch ; or obtain a blue and white effect by 

 planting thickly with Grape Hyacinths. 



In flower borders, Daffodils, if skilfully used, do not 

 interfere with summer flowering plants they may fill, for 

 instance, the bare ground round herbaceous or Tree Peonies. 

 One border, though starved by Elm trees and useless for 

 any summer flowers, except common Iris, has in succession to 

 the Crocuses a good yellow and orange effect. Towards the 

 back stand groups of orange-red Crown Imperials, holding their 

 drooping heads above the stately bright green foliage, which 

 contrasts so pleasantly with the soft bloom of the Iris green. 



93 



