XXVII 



THE EVERGREEN OAKS AND IVIES 



SEVERAL species of the genus Quercus, 

 the scientific name under which the 

 various oaks are included, form a dis- 

 tinct group by reason of their evergreen 

 leaves. They are well suited for decorative 

 gardening in the warmer parts of the country, 

 but it is inadvisable to plant them north of the 

 midlands except in those places in the vicinity of 

 the west coast, where the influence of the Gulf 

 Stream is felt. Some grow into large trees 

 whilst others rarely get beyond the bush stage, 

 so it is possible to obtain plants for almost any 

 position. As a rule the best results are obtained 

 in good loamy soil, though one, the Holm Oak, 

 Quercus Ilex, grows remarkably well in poor, 

 sandy or gravelly soil. The specimen shown in 

 the illustration has attained its present dimensions 

 in the poor, hungry soil of Kew. The best 

 species to select are : 



Quercus acuta. A Japanese bush of sturdy 

 habit, growing 12 to 16 feet high, and as far 

 through, with large, dark green, ovate leaves, 

 which narrow very rapidly near the apex. The 

 larger leaves are upwards of 6 inches long with 



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