274 HARDY FLOWERING SHRUBS. 



there has not been the same opportunity to learn of its hardihood. 

 "We have added the name " Canadian," which is its specific botan- 

 ical name, to distinguish it from the European Judas Tree, which 

 is not as hardy nor as handsome. The name " Judas " Tree, 

 seems to have originated from the supposition that it was the tree 

 whereon Judas hanged himself. 



Dogwood. — Comus Florida. — Like the Judas Tree, this ia 

 strictly a tree of low growth, attaining ordinarily a height of from 

 twelve to twenty feet, and has been almost as much neglected by 

 planters because, like it, this beautiful little tree may be found 

 growing naturally in some parts of the Dominion. But they are 

 both well deserving of a prominent place in the attention of 

 all Canadians who wish to adorn their rural homes. In spring, 

 the Dogwood is very conspicuous when covered with its flowers, 

 which are surrounded with large floral leaves, nearly white, and 

 beautifully shaded with rosy purple. These petal-like leaves are 

 no part of the true flowers, but infold them as an involucre. 

 There are usually a dozen smaU flowers thus surrounded, in one 

 head, by these floral leaves, and as they are borne on the extrem- 

 ities of the branches, cover the little tree with a seeming mass of 

 "bloom. The flowers usually open in the month of May, and con- 

 tinue for some time. These are succeeded by berries, which 

 become of a most glowing scarlet color as the autumn draws near, 

 standing out above the foliage. And as autumn advances, the 

 foliage itself changes to a most gorgeous purple, becoming more 

 deeply tinged as the days pass by, until the upper surface of the 

 leaves is suffused with a rich crimson and the under side becomes 

 a glaucous purple. There is not among all our hardy, large shrubs, 

 anything more charming, both in spring and fall, than this native 

 tree. We have no doubt but that it will be found to be as hardy 

 as the Sugar Maple, delighting most in a moist and shady sitiia- 

 tion, becoming dwarfed when planted in very dry soils, or 

 exposed places. 



Double-Flowering Almond. — Amygdalvs. — Those who lire 

 where the Peach tree will flourish and blossom, can enjoy the 



