28 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



The Deutzm gracilis {fig. 2) is a small slender-growing 

 shrub, inhabiting the damp valleys and lofty mountains of 

 Japan, where it is said to grow naturally five or six feet high ; 

 its branches are long, flexible, and drooping when in flower. 

 The leaves are small, wedge-shaped, ovate lanceolate, taper- 

 ing to the point, with small serratures. The main branches, 

 which are numerous, are covered with lateral branchlets, pro- 

 ducing at the ends graceful racemes of snow-white flowers, 

 about half the size of the D. scabra. Its neat mode of 

 growth, its compact yet graceful habit, and the abundance of 

 its snowy flowers render it extremely beautiful. 



It is of the easiest cultivation ; growing in any good light 

 soil, not too wet in winter. It flowers in June, and remains 

 in bloom a long time. It is increased by taking up and divid- 

 ing the plants, or by layers in the ordinary way. 



The Belgians make beautiful standards by grafting it on 

 tall stems of Philadelphus grandiflorus. Some fine specimens 

 managed in this way were exhibited by M. Baumann, of 

 Ghent, who purchased the original stock. For pot cultivation 

 in the conservatory or greenhouse it is an elegant plant ; the 

 smallest specimen flowering abundantly from March to May. 

 Either as a conservatory plant or hardy shrub, it is a most val- 

 uable acquisition. 



JANUARY. 



Twilight still lingers in the lap of day : 



Long shadows sleep at noontime in our way : 



The days are brief: night comes upon us soon, 



Speeds on apace the fleeting hour of noon, 



And hangs her curtains o'er our window panes, 



Ere morning's frost has melted from the plains. 



The land is tightly sealed : o'er all the earth 



The sparkling summer rills have ceased their mirth : 



The music of their leaping sport no more 



Marks their swift babbling journey to the shore. 



A solemn stillness sits at nature's gate, 



And every scene is cold and desolate. 



The northern winds have gained the victory : 



They sweep across the plains with ruthless glee. 



We trim our fires, and while the blaze is bright, 



Wish that all hearts might share its cheerful light. W. F. 



