JUNE. 259 



the exception of its fragrant flowers, fairly claim an equal 

 rank for picturesque and ornamental beauty. The variety 

 exhibited in their foliage, — the various colors of their large or 

 smaller berries, — and the numerous forms that the different 

 species assume, give them a value surpassed by no other class 

 of ornamental trees. 



The number of species and varieties enumerated in Lou- 

 don's Arboretum is upwards of sixty, more than twenty of 

 which are nativ6s of America. Many of the varieties as well as 

 the species so much resemble each other that it is with difficul- 

 ty some of the latter are identified. Mr. Loudon devoted many 

 pages of his splendid work to detailed descriptions of each, but 

 the group is still in much confusion among nurserymen who 

 cultivate a large number of kinds. It would occupy too 

 much space to give a descriptive list of all the hardy species 

 and varieties deserving the attention of lovers of fine trees: 

 our object is simply to commend them to notice, with the 

 hope that now, while they are in full bloom, the variety and 

 beauty of their blossoms may attract attention, and later in the 

 year their diversified foliage and many-hued berries, be care- 

 fully studied. Nearly all the kinds are hardy : a few from 

 the south of Europe and some from Mexico will not stand 

 our winters at the North ; but we have in cultivation some 

 thirty or more, which embrace the principal divisions of the 

 group and many of the showiest and best species. The 

 Cockspur thorn, C. Crus Galli, is well known as one of the 

 most beautiful hedge plants, having an entire, deep glossy fol- 

 iage almost sub-evergreen. The common Newcastle thorn" 

 is also much used for the same purpose, but is less ornamen- 

 tal. 



Of the English hawthorn, there are three exquisite varie- 

 ties, which should be found in every garden : these are the 

 Double Red and Double White and the Single Red ; the lat- 

 ter, the most brilliant of the three when viewed as a mass ; 

 the number of its blossoms, and their deeper color having a 

 marked contrast with other trees at its early season of bloom- 

 ing. The Pyracanth thorn is a very fine variety, hardy 

 and exceedingly beautiful. There is also one or two weeping 

 thorns, of recent production, that form exquisite lawn trees. 



