238 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



red berries, and another with white berries. Upon the opening 

 of the valve which encloses the berry, the white variety show 

 to great advantage, the valve being white, and the berry a light 

 scarlet. The berries are produced in great profusion. Plants 

 may be raised from seed, which should be planted in autumn; 

 or by layers or cuttings. 



E. Europceus. The European Spindle Tree. This is a 

 handsome evergreen shrub, with deep shining-green leaves, 

 with a variety having silver-edged leaves. The European 

 species and varieties are somewhat tender in this latitude. 

 They should be planted in a sheltered, shady place. 



FAGUS. 



Beech. 



The Beech is a fine tree, suitable for ornamental pleasure- 

 grounds, but too large for the shrubbery. 



The Purple Beech is a European variety, propagated by 

 grafting upon the common species. It is a small tree, but 

 may be kept within bounds by pruning in, and is very de- 

 sirable in a collection of shrubs, on account of its dark-purple, 

 almost black, leaves. The younger leaves are purplish-crim- 

 son, and present a brilliant appearance during the bright sun- 

 shine. In summer the foliage loses its brilliant tints, the leaves 

 changing to a purplish-green. 



No collection of shrubs should be deficient of the Purple, or 

 Copper Beech, as it is sometimes called. The contrast between 

 this and most other shrubs is very marked. The Weeping 

 Beech is another desirable variety ; its drooping pendulous 

 branches are very ornamental. Propagated in the same way 

 as the other, either by budding, grafting, or inarching. 



