xiv.] INCREASED BOTH FROM SEED AND SUCKERS 1 83 



Oak, and as an ornamental plant it is far superior. 

 Where it does well in the garden or pleasure ground 

 it surpasses any Yucca in distinctness and grace. The 

 only real danger to which it is liable is from snow 

 falling into the crown and lying between the tender 

 upper leaves, which are then exposed to the action of 

 frost and rain ; but this may easily be avoided by tying 

 these upper leaves up to a point in severe weather, and 

 in this way forming a natural thatch. But even when 

 the leader has been lost, the beauty of the plant is not 

 much spoiled, though its appearance is altered, as it then 

 sends out laterals and suckers all round. 



One of the earliest planted, and perhaps the most 

 prolific of the Cordylines in these islands is that growing 

 in Mr Walpole's beautiful garden at Mount Ussher, Co. 

 Wicklow. The stem, which is like that of an Ash, runs 

 up to about 10 feet ; the head, which is much divided, 

 produces every season lovely flower spikes, studded with 

 white bell-shaped flowers. The fertility of this old tree 

 has been amply proved by the many fine specimens that 

 have been raised from its seed, and which are now grow- 

 ing in Trinity College Gardens, as well as at Howth, 

 Button, and Raheny. 



It is readily increased both from seed and suckers, 

 as well as from pieces taken from the stem. If a plant 

 is cut down close to the ground there spring up very 

 soon a great number of young shoots, any of which can 

 be taken off as cuttings, and will strike freely. 



