494 DEC ID ro us trees. 



however, the vakiable quality of tiourishing in the shade and drip 

 of trees. It needs a strong soil. 



The Evergreen It.a.li.^n Privet, Z. semj>ivirens, is an im- 

 proved variety, more valuable where hardy. 



The Gold-striped and Sit-ver-striped Privets, Z. foleis 

 aurcis and argenfeis, are considered by some " pretty and desirable 

 mingled with the common privet." 



The Oval-leaved Privet, Z. ovalifolium, is a variety with 

 larger leaves and stronger growth than the common, which we 

 have seen formed into a superb hedge ten feet high, at the resi- 

 dence of Alfred Cope, Esq., Germantown, Pa. 



There are numerous varieties named from small differences in 

 forms of leaves and fruit, which it is not necessary to enumerate. 



The Waxv-leaved Privet, Z. lucidujn, is a species recently 

 introduced, and now growing with great beauty in the Central 

 Park. It is a native of China, where it forms a low sub-evcr- 

 green tree, twenty feet in height. The leaves are much larger, 

 brighter-colored, and more glossy than those of the common privet. 

 Z. /. floribwidum is its finest variety. 



The Spike-flowered Privet, Z. spicaiian, is a tender species 

 from Nepal, with large pointed elliptic leaves, and larger spikes of 

 flowers ; six to eight feet high. 



The California Privet, Z. californica. — This species, re- 

 cently introduced, has a leaf of such remarkable beauty, that, if the 

 shrub proves hardy, it will be very popular and in great demand. 

 The leaf is considerably larger than that of the common privet, of 

 a very dark waxy-green on the upper surface, a purplish tinge 

 about the edges, and the under surface pea-green. The growth 

 of young plants is about the same as that of the common privet, 

 but from the greater size of the leaves, their thicker texture, and 

 brilliant glossiness, they have a ranker appearance. Tiie leaves 

 have a peculiar veining, that adds to their beauty. Mr. J. R. 

 Strumpe, of the Parsons' nursery, believes that it will prove hardy. 

 What size it attains in California we have not learned. We fear 

 that the thick waxy foliage of this beautiful species indicates a 

 tropical nature that may not be acclimated in most parts of the 

 northern States. 



