94 MY SHRUBS 



at all, but let not that deter you. This Plagianthus by any other 

 name would smell as sweet. 



Plagiospermum sinensis is a new shrub from Manchuria. I 

 regret to learn that it takes after Madura ; but my plant 

 may perhaps be trained into nicer ways as it has come to me 

 so young. 



The dwarf Piceas — ^varieties of P. excelsa — are all most desirable 

 for the rockery, and soon make beautiful miniature trees ; they are 

 the neatest and hardiest of little shrubs and a perpetual delight. 

 P. glauca also should not be missed. 



Platycarya strohilacea, a rare North China monotype, I have 

 never seen ; but it is said to prosper in the South of England and 

 I hope it may be doing so. 



Podocarpus chilina is a rare conifer from the Andes, and, though 

 a tree, will remain of shrubby size as far as you and I are concerned 

 if we buy it now. Mine is four feet high, and may be six before I 

 cease to take interest in it. It has a very distinct habit, with deep 

 green narrow foliage, and in July it erects clusters of little pale 

 yellow catkins. In Cornwall thrive noble specimens of this fine 

 fir. Podocarpus andina is the Plum Fir from the Andes. This 

 remarkable plant produces fruit of the size of a grape and is 

 one of the few conifers to do anything so clever. Moreover, the 

 fruit may be eaten, for it is agreeable. Prunopitys is the synonym 

 of this interesting evergreen. 



Polygala Chamcehuxus is a neat dwarf, with yellow and white 

 flowers. I collected a pretty dark pink variety in Italy, and 

 there is a brown variety also. But the good little thing dwells 

 here no longer in any form. It too quickly dies out with me. 

 P. grandiflora make a big shrub, and I have seen it very handsome 



