410 breck's new book of flowers. 



writer says: — "One of the most j^leasing and picturesque 

 objects we recollect ever to have seen, was a large Gy- 

 donia whilst m full bloom, jDartially imbedded in a late 

 snow ; the branches weighed down thereby, and the rich 

 brilliant blossoms, peeping through their chaste covering." 

 A variety with double flowers has recently been introduc- 

 ed. It succeeds in any good garden soil, and is prop- 

 agated by layering and by suckers. 



CYTISTJS.— Laburnum. 



[An ancient classical name.] 



Cf tisus Laburnum. — Golden Chain. — A tall and elegant 

 shrub or low tree, which, when in bloom, is laden with 

 long, pendulous clusters of golden, pea-shaped flowers, 

 similar in appearance to tliose of the Locust. Blooms the 

 last of May or in June, and is most rich and beautiful. 

 The variety C. leucanthutn^ has cream-colored flowers. 

 There is also a purple-flowering species, C purpureus^ 

 which grows two feet high, but the first mentioned is the 

 most desirable of all the species and varieties. 



DAPHNE. — Mezereum. 



[A name from ancient mytliology.] 



Daphne Mezereum. — Mezereum. — This has long been 

 in cultivation, and is much esteemed for its early flower- 

 inor and fras^rance. The flowers come out before the 

 leaves, early in the spring ; they grow in clusters, all 

 around the shoots of the former year. 



" Though leafless, well attired, and thick beset 

 With blushing wreaths, investing every spray." 



The flowers are succeeded by brilliant scarlet berries, 

 which are a powerful poison. Another variety has wliite 



