124 AUTUMNAL COLOR ON THE LAWN. 



summer another color than red becomes, by its intensity, 

 almost the brilliant feature of the scene. Its special peculi- 

 arity appears in the fact that it becomes more and more 

 golden all summer until in mid-autumn it stands a bright 

 yellow flame of health and vigor amid the dull and fading 

 tints of fall. It is one of the choicest of recent introduc- 

 tions, and holds its foliage late. 



Turning again to the consideration of reddish autumnal 

 tints, we find the liquid ambar presenting the deepest, 

 darkest crimson on its more or less star-shaped leaves. This 

 tree is of smaller size than maples, tulips, or oaks, but is 

 one of our half dozen thoroughly excellent autumn trees. 

 It is round-headed, has a straight rough stem, and is alto- 

 gether a very characteristic American tree. In this arrange- 

 ment of color it should be continually remembered that we 

 want striking, prominent points of interest on which the 

 eye may rest with pleasure. There must be generally no 

 confusion, no mingling in the case of these interesting 

 points of red color. The group of red trees look better 

 standing quite away from any general green mass, a flaming 

 forerunner or standard-bearer at the head of the retreating 

 hosts of autumn. 



Before proceeding to dwell on beautiful shrubs, we 

 must look a moment at a plant that is almost a shrub in 

 habit, but which merits a most distinguished position on 

 the lawn. This plant is the new and rare Chinese sumac 

 (Rhux OsbecJdi). I know of no richer red than that which 

 suffuses its large leaf. It is crimson, changing almost to 

 scarlet in certain spots. The large wing or prolongation of 

 each leaf on either side of the stem makes it still more 



