The Laurels 



a many branched shrub 18 inches or so high, 

 spreading rapidly under favourable conditions by 

 means of underground stems. The leaves are 

 small and it cannot be called a really useful ever- 

 green ; it is, however, worth growing in any 

 garden where peat-loving plants thrive on 

 account of its pretty, rose-coloured flowers, which 

 appear in May and June. There are several 

 varieties which differ chiefly in stature. 



The Alexandrian Laurel. Danaea Laurus is a 

 near relative of the "Butcher's Broom," Ruscus 

 aculeatus, in fact it has been known as Ruscus 

 racemosus. It grows to a height of 2 feet or so 

 and is of a pleasing shade of green. The flowers 

 are inconspicuous, but it bears ornamental red 

 fruits. For shady places it is an excellent plant. 



The Spurge Laurel. This plant, Daphne 

 Laureola, forms a spreading bush 3 feet high with 

 evergreen leaves and fragrant, greenish yellow 

 flowers, which appear in spring. It is a native 

 of Europe, N. Africa, and W. Asia, and thrives 

 in loamy soil in which lime is found. 



The Great Laurel. A large growing Rhodo- 

 dendron from N. America, which is also known 

 as the " American Rose Bay." The correct 

 name is R. maximum. It forms a large bush up 

 to 15 feet or so in height, with handsome oblong 

 leaves and large heads of reddish flowers. Culti- 

 vation is similar to that of other Rhododendrons. 



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